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Rio De Janeiro, Dec 12 (IANS): Botafogo coach Oswaldo de Oliveira said that former Dutch international Clarence Seedorf has made a stunning impact since joining the club in July.
The 36-year-old proved his quality immediately in an attacking midfield role and ended the season with nine goals in 21 matches for the Rio de Janeiro outfit, reports Xinhua.
“It was a marketing idea and his numbers were not encouraging for Milan,” Oliveira told SporTV, Tuesday.
“He did not play many matches and, while playing, missed passes and was not as effective. His arrival was a concern, but what did we get…A rejuvenated Seedorf, he is motivated.
“Off the field, Seedorf is impressive. He talks to everybody, with the coaching staff, players, management. He promotes dinners with players, encourages the young ones. What Seedorf does is very important.”
Oliveira said his decision to play Seedorf just behind the strikers had been made to reduce the veteran’s physical workload.
“I was criticised because he has played a lifetime in midfield,” Oliveira said. “But I wondered if it really was a good idea to put him where he had to run more, for 90 minutes. He is 36 years old. The reason he scored so many goals is because he was closer to the area.”
