Vozinha, the celebrated goalkeeper from Cape Verde, has recently joined Colo Colo in Chile, following his historic performance at the World Cup. The 40-year-old player expressed his excitement and gratitude to fans for their patience during his delayed arrival, stating, “I’m very happy to be here. And I want to thank the fans for the patience they’ve shown while waiting for me. See you at the Monumental Stadium.”

The journey to Chile for Vozinha, whose real name is Josimar Évora Dias, was initially fraught with challenges. Colo Colo, Chile’s most successful soccer club, made the announcement of his signing on July 24. Documentation issues and personal matters, however, delayed his arrival three times, sparking concern.

Despite the obstacles, Vozinha arrived at Santiago’s airport at 8:35 p.m. local time, welcomed by a throng of enthusiastic supporters. Fans hope his skill will lead Colo Colo to victory in the Chilean league and enhance their performance in continental competitions such as the Copa Libertadores.

Vozinha, scheduled for medical evaluations on Monday, will formally sign a six-month contract with an option for an additional year. Training with Colo Colo begins Tuesday, coinciding with his official presentation as the club’s marquee player for the season.

Significantly, the Chilean Football Federation adjusted its regulations to allow Vozinha to wear his famous nickname on his jersey, after initially requiring only surnames. His previous stint was with Chaves in Portugal’s second division, where he gained fame through stellar performances against teams like Spain and Argentina at the World Cup.

The veteran’s excellence has significantly increased his popularity, with his Instagram followers soaring from under 50,000 to over 29.5 million. Fans like Sebastián Paredes are optimistic about Vozinha’s contribution to the team, emphasizing the need for talent and dedication.