Fernando Marcal has confirmed that he intends to leave Premier League outfit Wolves and take on a ‘new beginning’ at Botafogo, speaking to IG Esporte.
The 33-year-old’s impending departure from Molineux is one of the worst kept secrets in English football.
According to reports, Marcal agreed a move to Botafogo a couple of months ago. He’s even bought a house in Brazil as he prepares to make a return to his homeland upon the expiry of his Wolverhampton Wanderers contract.
But, after weeks of speculation, Marcal has finally broken his silence, confirming his interest in joining a Botafogo side back in the big time after winning the second-tier title last season.
Fernando Marcal leaving Wolves
“We are talking. They came to me, showed interest and I see (the move) with good eyes,” the 33-year-old explains. “We are increasingly fine-tuning things and I believe this has a great chance of working. A new project at Botafogo.
“It’s the same club we know, really great in its history and its achievements. But it is experiencing a new moment, a new beginning and a new management. From what I have seen it seems very solid, with great ambitions, so this attracts the attention of any player, including me.
“And I see a great possibility of be part of this grandiose project.”
Marcal, a signing from Lyon in the summer of 2020, has started 17 Premier League games under Bruno Lage this season. His departure could open the door for Ryan Giles, on the back of an excellent campaign on loan in the Championship, to force his way into the first-team picture.
‘Stay Marcal’
“I have received many messages from fans like: ‘Stay Marcal’. Without a doubt, I will remain in the memory of those fans who know Marcal for his commitment and effort,” the defender adds.
“Wolves has been a part and will be very important in my history.”
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Botafogo’s majority shareholder John Textor confirmed his interest in both Marcal and PSV Eindhoven forward Eran Zahavi recently. Director of football Andre Mazzuco, meanwhile, admits that the club have been discussing the out-of-contract duo ‘for some time’.
“Marcal and Zahavi are approaches that are already known,” Mazzuco says.
“They are players that we have been talking about for some time. Conversations are advanced. We hope that they conclude positively.”
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