Alan Saldivia unveiled by Vasco, discusses crucial chat with Fernando Diniz | OneFootball

Vasco officially presented on Wednesday the defender Alan Saldivia, 23 years old, as the club's new reinforcement for the 2026 season. The Uruguayan was at the Moacyr Barbosa Training Center alongside the executive director of football, Admar Lopes.

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Saldivia joins the Cruzmaltino after a stint with Colo-Colo, from Chile, and signed a contract valid until December 2028. During the press conference, the defender highlighted the conversation with coach Fernando Diniz as decisive for the transfer.

“Diniz called me a lot. He talked to me about the club, the intention to grow and improve as a player. I really liked what he said to me and the things he wants me to improve. I think this was very good for me as a player. To grow and improve as a professional,” he stated.

The debut of the defender does not yet have a set date. According to Admar Lopes, due to bureaucratic issues, Saldivia will not be available for the match against Maricá this Thursday, but the expectation is that he can play against Novo Iguaçu.

“Both Alan and Johan Rojas, who was presented on Monday, due to bureaucratic issues, will not be able to play tomorrow. But we hope that both will be available for the match on Sunday, for the Campeonato Carioca, to make their debut,” explained the director.

Asked about his height — the defender is 1.80m tall — Saldivia downplayed the issue and emphasized that his main characteristic is his desire to win.

“The desire to win has always been my main characteristic. It is something strong in my life, in my mentality. I see the rival and know that I always need to beat them. Personally, I believe that (the difference compensates) the attitude, the desire to compete and to win for my team,” he concluded.

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