Tiquinho Soares apologizes and misleads about the future

In addition to failing to win the Brazilian Championship title, the Botafogo was left out of the G-4 and lost the right to enter the group stage of the Copa Libertadores. After the defeat to Internacional, 3-1, in Beira-Rio, the striker Tiquinho Soares he apologized to the fans and, as the cast’s spokesperson, took responsibility for the team’s drop in production. The top scorer, visibly shaken, assured that the club will recover from the situation.

“I want to apologize to the fans, who didn’t deserve this. It’s a very difficult situation, I don’t think anyone has ever seen it. We are very shaken. We lived through great moments, we dreamed a lot because we believed. But I send a message on behalf of the group: it was a group of men and warriors. All the responsibility for what happened is ours. There are a lot of people talking nonsense, but we are humble and there are a lot of men here. It’s very difficult, but Botafogo will recover”, said the attacker.

The athlete was asked if the hint was meant for Diego Costa, who had stated that the ‘hooray atmosphere’ among the fans when Botafogo was comfortably leading influenced the group. Tiquinho softened and said that “each person interprets the words as they wish”.

Asked about his career at the club, Tiquinho avoided making promises, but assured that he was happy at the club. “How am I going to promise (permanence)? I don’t know what will happen, but whoever stays here will honor the shirt, I’m sure. I’m very happy to be part of this great club. As I said, group of men.”

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Tiquinho Soares was Botafogo’s big name in the team’s good moment, in the first round. He was an isolated top scorer for much of the championship and ended up as second top scorer alongside Luis Suárez, with 17 goals. Paulinho, from Atlético-MG, was the top scorer with 20 goals.

Botafogo finished the Brasileirão in fifth place with 64 points. There were 18 wins, ten draws and ten defeats. He scored 58 goals and conceded 37. As he was left out of the G-4, he will need to compete in the preliminary phase of the Copa Libertadores da América, bringing forward his debut in the competition by more than a month.