After the triumph of his club, Botafogo, in the final of the Copa Libertadores against Atlético Mineiro (3-1), American boss John Textor could not hold back his tears. Target of criticism, he defended his record and paid vibrant tribute to his players.
John Textor on the roof of South America. If the American businessman is struggling to bring Olympique Lyonnais back to the top in Ligue 1, he has lifted Botafogo, one of his other clubs, to the top of South American football. Saturday in Buenos Aires, his team triumphed over Atlético Mineiro (3-1) in the final of a 100% Brazilian Copa Libertadores. A historic first trophy for Botafogo and his boss.
“I love them!”
The businessman sees one of his clubs win a major title for the first time, after having invested 70 million dollars this season to strengthen the squad of the Rio de Janeiro club, which had just returned to the first division when he bought it back, in March 2022. More than enough for John Textor to break down, overwhelmed by emotion after the final whistle. “I’ve already said it, but they deserve it,” said the American businessman, in tears at the microphone of ESPN Brasil. “They worked so hard and they won it! I love them! (…) They said we weren't mentally strong and our boys proved otherwise. They were wrong.”
“It’s phenomenal”
Often criticized, the American admits to having made mistakes. “But we did more good things than bad,” he assures. “I grew up in Florida which has strong relations with South America. For me, that's more important than anything that happens in Europe. It's phenomenal.” And maybe not finished.
Now qualified for the Club World Cup next summer in the USA, Botafogo is on course to achieve a fabulous double: the team is leading the Brazilian championship with two days remaining. “We're still in the race. We still have two games to play. We want to win, not be second,” concludes Textor.
