Tearful Seedorf fears missing rest of season

Rio de Janeiro - Botafogo’s Dutch midfielder Clarence Seedorf will Monday undergo a scan on his right thigh to determine the extent of a muscle strain that threatens to end his season.

The 36-year-old was forced off in the 38th minute in Botafogo’s 4-0 victory over Atletico Goias Saturday, having opened the scoring with a powerful 20th-minute strike, reports Xinhua.

He admitted to shedding a tear upon walking off the pitch as he contemplated the prospect of missing the club’s challenge for a Copa Libertadores berth next season.

“This is a very important time for the club and the thought of not being able to help leaves an empty feeling,” Seedorf said.

“We won’t know the extent of the injury until the scan. I hope it’s nothing serious.”

Saturday’s result lifted Botafogo to sixth in Brazil’s Serie A standings, eight points behind fourth-placed Sao Paulo with five matches remaining.

The top four teams automatically qualify for a berth in next season’s Copa Libertadores, considered South America’s most important club competition.