Jefferson targets Botafogo 500-club

 

The Brazil no.1 wants to make history with the Fogao and revealed he still feels nervous ahead of every international call-up despite being the first name on the team sheet

Brazil goalkeeper Jefferson has set his sights on writing himself into Botafogo folklore by reaching a milestone 500 appearances for the club.

The 32-year-old currently has 396 games under his belt since making a 2009 move to the Rio-based club from Turkish football.

An under-20 world champion with Brazil in 2003, he has led Botafogo to two Rio state championships during his six-year stay.

His fine domestic form saw him graduate from understudy to Julio Cesar at World Cup 2014 to the Selecao’s undisputed No.1 following coach Dunga’s return as head coach in July last year.




After a string of impressive showings for Brazil, he was linked with a number of European clubs earlier this year but pledged his allegiance to cash-strapped Botafogo by ignoring some of the world’s biggest leagues to extend his current deal to 2017.

To be honest, I never expected to get this far in a big club like Botafogo,” he told SporTV.

“It is very difficult to reach 500 or 600 games. And my goal here at Botafogo is make it to 500 matches.

“I am not interested in beating anyone else; it's just a personal goal of mine.”

Two-time world winner Nilton Santos leads Botafogo’s all-time list of appearances for the club, with a staggering 721. Another double world champion, Garrincha, is second with 612, while Mexico 1970 hero Jairzinho is eighth with 412.

Jefferson now sits 10th on the club’s illustrious list and, if he makes it to his target of 500, will surpass Waltencir’s total of 453 and take his position in the top three.

“I think he will make it,” said former Botafogo goalkeeper Wagner, who made 412 appearances for the club.

“The only way he is like me when he plays is the level of calm he maintains. He's a relaxed guy, and regardless of the situation is always calm and attentive in games.

 
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Next year I expect him to continue, with Botafogo returning to the top flight [after last year’s relegation]. We all hope that everything works out in his career and he undoubtedly will beat me and go even further.”

Jefferson will return to international duty next month when the Chevrolet Brasil Global Tour pits Brazil against Costa Rica on September 5 before a clash with USA four days later.

But despite literally being the first name on Dunga’s team sheet, Jefferson revealed he was still anxious ahead of last week’s squad announcement.

“Every call-up gives me goose bumps,” he said.

“I think every player goes through that expectation. We do not know what goes on in the mind of the head coach.

“As much as we are involved with the Selecao, I am always left feeling relieved.”