Ziyech reflects on Botafogo welcome, Brazil move and Morocco career

Moroccan international Hakim Ziyech has spoken about his first days at Botafogo, describing the reception from the Brazilian club’s supporters as overwhelming and praising Brazil’s deep football culture.

Botafogo published a video on its official YouTube channel documenting Ziyech’s arrival in Rio de Janeiro, his welcome by fans, his first training sessions and his debut for the club.

Ziyech said he was moved by the reception he received from supporters.

“This is unbelievable,” Ziyech said while traveling through a crowd of fans in a club vehicle. “I think this kind of love is all a player needs.”

The Moroccan said his decision to move to Brazil was relatively straightforward because of his longstanding admiration for Brazilian soccer.

“For me, Brazil is the No. 1 country when it comes to football,” Ziyech said. “There are so many great players who came from here, so it didn’t take much thinking.”

Botafogo sporting director Leo Coelho said the club was counting on Ziyech’s technical ability and attacking instincts.

Coelho described the Moroccan as a player who can create danger and constantly look for scoring opportunities. He said Ziyech can operate on the right wing, move into central areas and play as a creative midfielder.

Ziyech said he had quickly become comfortable with his new surroundings and was eager to experience Brazilian soccer firsthand.

“I’m very excited,” he said. “Brazil is the No. 1 country when we talk about football, and here football is a way of life. That affected me, and I want to live it and discover it.”

The 33-year-old also thanked Botafogo supporters for their welcome, saying he now had a responsibility to repay their support on the field.

The video also featured Ziyech discussing his relationship with Morocco and his decision to represent the national team.

He said his connection to Morocco was an intrinsic part of his identity.

“It’s something you’re born with,” Ziyech said. “We will always be proud to be Moroccan. It’s been inside me since I was young, and you grow up with it.”

Ziyech also reflected on his international career and said representing Morocco had been particularly meaningful given the national team’s achievements in recent years.

He highlighted the progress made by Morocco over the past decade or more, describing the team’s historic run at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar as a moment that was difficult to put into words.

“It’s indescribable. It was amazing,” he said.

Ziyech also praised the atmosphere at Botafogo, describing the club as welcoming and family-oriented.

“The club welcomed me very well and gives me all the support I need,” he said. “As I was told before I arrived, it’s a warm and family club. After the three or four days I’ve spent here, I understand why they describe it that way.”

The Moroccan said he expected a lot from himself and wanted to give everything to his new club.

“I demand a lot from myself,” Ziyech said. “I just want to give my best and give everything for the club.”

He added that his ambitions extended beyond the current season.

“Maybe it won’t be possible this season, but starting next season I want to play for titles and win them,” he said. “That’s why I came here. Those are my goals, and that’s why I’ll work hard.”

Ziyech made his Botafogo debut about a week after being presented by the club, coming on against Mirassol in the 28th round of the Brazilian league.

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