April 2 – Portuguese manager Artur Jorge has confirmed he will move from Braga to Botafogo to lead the Rio club in the Brazilian league and Copa Libertadores this season.
After Braga’s 5-3 victory over Portimonense on Monday in the Portuguese top flight, Jorge (pictured) said that there is an agreement between the club and Botafogo for him to step in in Rio de Janeiro. The Portuguese said he still needs to analyse the terms, but that the victory over Portimonense was his last game in charge of Braga.
“The situation is very clear,” said Jorge in a flash interview. “I know there is an agreement between the clubs. Therefore, there was this negotiation so that Botafogo could count on my services. There is an agreement so they can talk to me, something we would only do after this game because my commitment was to be here and win. This agreement is signed between the clubs. It will be analysed by me now, because I also like it. It is very likely that today I managed my last game for Braga.”
Botafogo is reportedly paying Braga €10 million, with the Portuguese club demanding that the Brazilians immediately release more than €3 million. Botafogo owner John Textor denied there was any friction between the two clubs.
On Thursday, Botafogo make their return to the Copa Libertadores, South America’s premier club competition, hosting Junior Barranquilla of Colombia. Jorge, it is understood, will be in the stands to watch the match.
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