Vozinha seeks new club after Cape Verde World Cup form and says he is open to Brazil

Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha says he is looking for a new club after his contract with Portuguese second-division side Chaves ended. The 40-year-old drew wide attention for standout World Cup performances, including draws with Spain and Uruguay. He told Brazilian journalist Daniel Braune he is open to offers, including playing in Brazil.

Cape Verde goalkeeper AP Vozinha, who drew global attention at the World Cup, said a club move is next. The 40-year-old said a switch to Brazil is possible after a sharp rise online. Vozinha spoke to Brazilian journalist and influencer Daniel Braune. Vozinha said a new team is the priority after recent tournament performances.

Vozinha said the deal with Portuguese second-division side Chaves has finished. Vozinha said there is no new contract in place yet. "I ended my contract with my previous club, Deportivo Chaves, and at the moment I still dont have anything,\" Vozinha said. \"Im open to everything. Lets see what comes up.\"

AP Vozinha Brazil option after social media rise

Vozinha said Brazil is appealing, after help from influencer Casimiro Miguel, known as Cazé. Cazé promoted Vozinha’s account, and the following grew fast. Vozinha went from about 50,000 Instagram followers to nearly 16 million. \"It would be good,\" Vozinha said, smiling, in the interview published in Braunes YouTube channel. \"Well see.\"

Vozinha said visiting Brazil is also a clear personal goal. \"If I have the opportunity, Id like to go, also to thank everyone for all of their support,\" Vozinha said. Vozinha added that teammates also want to go. Vozinha linked the interest to the support received during the World Cup.

AP Vozinha World Cup form and Cape Verde targets

Vozinha became a talking point after Cape Verde’s opening match on June 15. Cape Verde held European champion Spain to a 0-0 draw. Cape Verde then drew 2-2 with Uruguay, a leading South American side. Those results increased interest in Vozinha’s future. Vozinha said the World Cup run has shaped current plans.

Vozinha said the main focus remains Cape Verde’s first World Cup campaign. A win over Saudi Arabia on Friday in Houston would be enough. That result would send Cape Verde into the round of 32. The team’s progress would trigger celebrations across a nation of about half a million people.

Vozinha said the aim goes beyond personal milestones. \"My dream, and the dream of all Cape Verdeans, is to reach the next round,\" Vozinha said. \"Its huge just to be in the World Cup, and to advance when no one thought that we could even get a point, would be extraordinary.\" Vozinha said talks about a new club sit alongside that target.

Vozinha said Brazil is not new territory from earlier in the career. Vozinha spent time there during a pre-season with Angola’s Progresso do Sambizanga. Vozinha also named early influences as a goalkeeper. The idols listed were Michel Preudhomme, Edwin van der Sar, and Gianluigi Buffon. Vozinha said the next steps depend on what offers arrive.

With inputs from PTI