Vozinha, the 40-year-old goalkeeper who gained widespread recognition for his performances with Cape Verde at the recent World Cup, has arrived in Chile to join club side Colo Colo. His arrival in Santiago on Sunday followed a transfer process marked by several delays, including documentation issues and personal matters, which had cast doubt on the move.
Colo Colo, the most successful soccer club in Chile, officially announced the signing of Josimar Evora Dias, known as Vozinha, on July 24. Upon his arrival at Santiago's airport late Sunday, Vozinha was greeted by a large contingent of supporters who had gathered with flags, banners, and drums.
"I'm very happy to be here. And I want to thank the fans for the patience they´ve shown while waiting for me," Vozinha told reporters. "See you at the Monumental Stadium."
Vozinha became the oldest player to debut in a national team's match at the World Cup and was noted for his goalkeeping against eventual champions Spain. His performances during the tournament against Spain, Uruguay, and Argentina brought him significant attention, increasing his Instagram following from under 50,000 to over 29.5 million.
The veteran goalkeeper is expected to undergo medical examinations on Monday before officially signing a six-month contract with Colo Colo, which includes an option for a 12-month extension. He is scheduled to join training on Tuesday, with the club planning to formally present him as their new signing that same day.
The Chilean Football Federation amended its regulations on Friday to permit Vozinha to wear his widely recognized nickname on his jersey. This change was necessary as league rules typically require players to use only their surnames.
Vozinha joins Colo Colo after concluding his stint with Chaves in Portugal's second division. Club supporters expressed hopes that his skills will help the team secure the league championship and improve their continental standing in the upcoming Copa Libertadores.