I want to stay at Botafogo: Seedorf

Rio de Janeiro, May 22 (IANS) Dutch veteran footballer Clarence Seedorf says he has no plans to leave Botafogo before his contract expires in July next year.

The 37-year-old has been touted as a candidate to replace under-pressure AC Milan coach Massimiliano Allegri following the club’s third place in Italy’s Serie A this season, reports Xinhua.

But the former Netherlands international says he is focused on helping Botafogo win the club’s first Brazilian top-flight title since 1995.

“I have adapted. Rio de Janeiro has always been in my heart and I have always felt affection towards Brazil,” said Seedorf, who led Botafogo to the Campeonato Carioca title earlier this month.

“Brazil is the Mecca of football, it’s very special to live here and play in the country. It’s a very enriching situation and I intend to see out my contract”

Seedorf joined Botafogo in July last year after making 300 first-team appearances in a decorated 10-year spell with AC Milan.