Vozinha has arrived in Chile to complete his move to Colo-Colo, ending uncertainty over the 40-year-old goalkeeper’s transfer. The Cape Verde international landed in Santiago on Monday morning, where he was welcomed by a crowd of supporters.
The arrival follows speculation that the move could be in doubt. Vozinha had cancelled an earlier flight to South America for personal reasons, prompting questions over whether he would eventually travel to Chile.
Those doubts were put aside when the experienced goalkeeper reached the Chilean capital. Colo-Colo are top of the Chilean league and are now set to add a player whose reputation was strengthened by his performances for Cape Verde at the World Cup.
Vozinha has been described as a World Cup hero after his displays in goal for the national team. His arrival generated considerable interest among Colo-Colo supporters, who gathered to greet him despite the rumours surrounding his journey.
The Moroccan club RS Berkane was mentioned on Saturday as a serious contender in the race connected with the goalkeeper. However, Vozinha ultimately travelled to Chile and has joined the club leading the domestic championship.
The goalkeeper most recently played for Portuguese side Chaves. Before that, he represented AS Trencin, AEL Limassol, Gil Vicente and Zimbru Chisinau, among other clubs.
His career has taken him through several different European leagues, while his international performances have made him one of Cape Verde’s best-known footballers. At 40, Vozinha brings considerable experience to Colo-Colo as the club continues its campaign at the top of Chile’s league.
Although his earlier flight was cancelled, the goalkeeper’s subsequent arrival in Santiago confirms that the move to Colo-Colo is going ahead. The club’s supporters were able to see him arrive in person, providing a public conclusion to the uncertainty that had surrounded his transfer over the previous few days.
For Colo-Colo, the signing adds a veteran goalkeeper to a squad currently leading the Chilean championship. For Vozinha, it represents a move to Chile after his latest spell in Portugal with Chaves.
The transfer had appeared to face a setback when the first journey was abandoned for personal reasons. Reports linking RS Berkane with the player added to the uncertainty, but the Cape Verde goalkeeper’s presence in Santiago has now settled the immediate question over his destination.