Calleri frank on new deal and wage delays: “No one’s here for money” | OneFootball

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

Renewal process and bond with the club

Speaking to ESPN, the No. 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, coaching changes. A lot happened in between, and there were things that weren’t moving forward. A lot of what came out in the press was probably all lies,” he said.

The center-forward 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 field. I’m not from Cotia, nor from here, but over time I learned to love the team through the work we do every day. It’s a blessing to stay here longer.”

Financial crisis, delays, and the squad’s attitude

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

Despite the repeated failure of the club’s leadership 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 guys here had an offer 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 for 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 nobody here is here for money; everyone earns 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 coached by Dorival Júnior reached 30 points, moving into 11th place in the Brazilian Championship and opening a five-point gap over the relegation zone. The Tricolor return 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.