AC Milan legend Clarence Seedorf has been linked to Brazilian top flight Botafogo to take over the club management. The Dutchman is the only player to win the European Cup with three different sides – a record that stands till date even though several players are on the two club mark.
Seedorf would be remembered for his glorious exit from football. At the advanced age of 36, the experienced midfielder decided to head to the Brazilian Serie A to play for the least celebrated of four teams in Rio. Coach Max Allegri wanted a youthful Milan side so Seedorf had to move where he had influence capital and would be taken seriously.
Allegri preferred to play Alberto Acquilani and Kevin Prince-Boateng in the middle ahead of Seedorf. He would have gotten other clubs to take him but he said his deep admiration for the Brazilian national team made him move to South America from the San Siro.
“When I was watching the 1986 World Cup with my dad, he had to take me outside and calm me down after Brazil lost to France. I was crying with anger, because it was Zico’s last tournament. For me, he was what football was all about,” he explained.
The player was also born close to Brazil and since he would be getting freedom in the midfield that he wanted, he made the switch. At 37-38 years, he netted 24 goals and inspired the team to win the Rio State Cup and make the cut for the prestigious Copa Libertadores. In his final game, he scored the final goal in the 3-0 rout of Criciuma to help Botafogo made the continental event. After he retired, the club could not maintain expectations, they were relegated only the following season.
After finishing 11th last term, the club seems favourably disposed to Seedorf coming back to manage the team. This would be the third time he would get the chance to manage after a short stint at Milan and in China.