Calleri blunt on renewal and wage delays: “No one is here for money” | OneFootball

Amid the political instability and financial setbacks experienced by São Paulo Futebol Clube, forward Jonathan Calleri has extended his contract with Tricolor until the end of 2028. The renewal establishes the 32-year-old Argentine as the main pillar and leader of the professional squad at Morumbi.

Renewal process and connection with the club

In a statement to ESPN, the number 9 detailed the negotiations, which dragged on over the past few months due to recurring changes in football management, including changes in the coaching staff and executive board:

“It wasn’t the best time, but we had already been talking for about three or four months. We had spoken with the former director [Rui Costa], then everything changed, coaches were replaced. A lot happened in the meantime, and some things just weren’t moving forward. Many of the things that came out in the press were probably all lies,” he said.

The striker also highlighted the bond of affection built with the institution and the fans throughout his spells at the club:

“I’m very happy to have renewed with São Paulo and to be here. It’s my home, I’m a São Paulo supporter on the pitch. I’m not from Cotia, nor from here, but over time I learned to love the team through the daily work. It’s something I’m grateful for, to stay here longer.”

Financial crisis, delays, and the squad’s stance

The official announcement of the new deal comes alongside yet another chapter in the financial crisis faced by São Paulo’s management. This week, another deadline set by the board for the payment of overdue wages and image rights passed without the money being paid.

Despite the repeated failure by the Tricolor hierarchy to meet the financial schedule, Calleri assured that the off-field debt does not affect the squad’s commitment in matches:

“We know São Paulo is in a difficult economic situation, and I’m 100% sure that nobody here is here for the money. Surely most of the players here had offers to earn more money somewhere else. When I renewed, I knew the club’s situation, the debts São Paulo has, and I knew I was here not because of the money.”

“When you step onto the pitch, you forget everything outside the four lines. Everything São Paulo owes you, everything that’s overdue, all of it stays outside. You only think about the ball, the 10 guys who are your teammates, and how to score against the other goalkeeper. I’m 100% sure that nobody here is here for money; everyone is paid very well, but they are here for glory.”

Relief in the Brasileirão and focus on Atlético-MG

On the pitch, São Paulo got some breathing room by beating Bragantino 1-0 last Saturday (29). With the win, the team led by coach Dorival Júnior reached 30 points, moving into 11th place in the Brazilian Championship and opening a five-point gap over the relegation zone. Tricolor returns to action this Saturday (5) to face Atlético-MG at Morumbi.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.