Andreas Pereira: Palmeiras fans’ welcome made joining the best choice | OneFootball

Andreas Pereira was announced as a new signing for Palmeiras for the remainder of the season this Friday. The 29-year-old player spoke about the affection he received from the Verdão fans on social media, saying he felt “welcomed and confident” that he made the best choice by signing a contract with Verdão until December 2028.

“The affection shown by the Palmeiras fans has been very special. I received countless messages of support that gave me the certainty that I made the right decision when I accepted Palmeiras’ offer. I even mentioned it to my parents and my wife: when you realize that such a passionate fanbase wants you to come play for a gigantic club, you feel welcomed and confident that you made the best choice,” he said.

The player had long been a target for the Verdão board, who had been in contact with the midfielder since the end of 2024. At the start of the season, Verdão went through a saga in negotiations, running into Fulham’s refusal of the offer and Andreas’ own desire to remain in Europe at that time.

In this transfer window, the board made a new attempt and this time succeeded. Andreas thanked the club’s directors and coach Abel Ferreira for their trust.

“The interest Palmeiras showed in me was very special and gratifying. I thank president Leila Pereira, Anderson Barros, and Abel Ferreira for trusting in my work and giving me the opportunity to wear the shirt of such a gigantic club. I can’t wait to arrive in Brazil to join my new teammates and be on the pitch to help the team,” he said.

Andreas praises Palmeiras’ facilities

The Football Academy is already a familiar place for Andreas, who had a training stint there with the Brazilian National Team in 2024. Wearing the Amarelinha, the former Fulham midfielder played ten matches and scored two goals.

“I had the opportunity to get to know the Football Academy last year, with the Brazilian National Team, and I was very impressed. You don’t even see in Europe the kind of facilities that Palmeiras has and, from what I’ve heard, it’s even better now than when I first saw it. Working at a training center like Palmeiras’ is something every professional athlete dreams of,” he concluded.

When will Andreas make his debut?

Andreas Pereira underwent medical exams in England and is scheduled to arrive in Brazil in the coming days. The player still needs to be registered with the CBF’s BID system to finally make his debut for Verdão. He will take the number 8 shirt after Richard Ríos’ departure.

Thus, the player will not yet be available to Abel Ferreira for the derby against Corinthians, which takes place this Sunday at 6:30 pm (Brasília time), for the 22nd round of the Brazilian Championship.

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