Neto has been presented as Botafogo’s new goalkeeper, ending his time at Bournemouth and marking a return to Brazilian football after 15 years in Europe.
The 36-year-old arrives as a high-profile addition for the Rio side and takes the No. 22 shirt.
Speaking to [**Globo Esporte**](https://ge.globo.com/futebol/times/botafogo/noticia/2025/09/06/prazer-neto-goleiro-do-botafogo-se-reapresenta-ao-brasil-e-celebra-momento-ideal.ghtml?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter), Neto described the move as both professional and personal. He admitted that the timing felt right, not only for his career but also for his family.
_“It’s curious, because everywhere I was people asked if I wanted to return to Brazil, where I would live. I always said no. But you can’t predict the future. A few months ago, I came here on holiday and felt something. I thought it was time. The Botafogo opportunity arrived just as these thoughts began to line up,”_ he told reporters.
He added that bringing his children, born in Spain, to experience life in Brazil was a decisive factor: _“They are Brazilian, of course, but they never lived here. Breathing this, living this experience, it’s unique. If it wasn’t now, they might never have it.”_
Neto had been recruited as John’s replacement, with the former starter negotiating a move to West Ham. When that transfer collapsed, the newcomer had to readjust his expectations.
_“It’s natural. You arrive and things happen that weren’t in the plan, you have to adapt. My idea was to come to Brazil to play for Botafogo. In big clubs, competitiveness is natural. If it’s not one, it’s another. You have to show that you deserve to play. My whole life has been like this.”_
The goalkeeper also reflected on his long European career, which took him from Fiorentina to Juventus, Valencia, Barcelona and Bournemouth, with a loan at Arsenal last season. For him, the experience abroad shaped his perspective.
_“I was very young, starting out, full of things to do. When you’re like that, you don’t see what’s close. Now I can understand, I have patience and clarity to think differently. I think it’s the ideal moment for me, my life, my family, to return to Brazil and to Botafogo”_, he said.
His presentation officially closes the Bournemouth chapter and opens a new one at Botafogo. After wearing the armband in England and spending 15 years abroad, Neto now sees Brazil as the right stage for the next step in his career.