Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha says he always believed he belonged at a major club after completing a move to Chilean giants Colo-Colo following his impressive World Cup campaign.
The 40-year-old became one of the tournament’s surprise stories after helping Cape Verde reach the round of 32 in their first World Cup appearance.
Vozinha completed his move after leaving Portuguese second-tier side Chaves. During his career, he has also played for clubs in Angola, Cyprus, Moldova and Slovakia.
“Despite playing in smaller leagues for clubs that weren’t exactly giants, deep down I always told myself I was a ‘big club’ player,” Vozinha told reporters.
“So when Colo-Colo came calling, there was no doubt. From day one, I knew where I wanted to play. I received many offers, but Colo-Colo was always the priority.”
Colo-Colo have won a record 34 Chilean top-flight titles and moved quickly to sign the experienced goalkeeper after his standout displays on football’s biggest stage.
Cape Verde impressed throughout the World Cup. They held eventual champions Spain to a goalless draw, shared the points with Uruguay and Saudi Arabia, and finished second in Group H before losing narrowly to Argentina in the round of 32.
Vozinha said the World Cup transformed his career but insisted his focus has already shifted to his new challenge in Chile.
“The World Cup was the best thing that ever happened to me in football, but that is in the past now.
“Being here representing Colo-Colo, a massive club with a rich history, is the highlight of my club career.”
