Burnley’s hopes of reuniting with Vitinho appear to be over for good. The Brazilian defender continues to grow both domestically and internationally.
Speaking to Globo Esporte, the 26-year-old made it clear he’s not thinking about leaving Botafogo, despite the Premier League club’s attempts to bring him back earlier this year.
“I can’t think about leaving Botafogo. Everything I do and have today is because of this club. I’m grateful to everyone. All of us want to take Botafogo to the Libertadores again. Everything I think about is staying here,”he said.
The right-back was a key figure in Botafogo’s 2024 campaign. He won both the Brazilian league and the Copa Libertadores.
Burnley, who sold him last year for around £7m, later made an offer worth £3.5m plus debt forgiveness to take him back. Botafogo immediately rejected the proposal, insisting the player was not for sale.
Burnley mental lessons still valued
Vitinho
Rio, Brazil – Abril 26, 2025: Burnley target Vitinho during the game between Botafogo x Fluminense at the Nilton Santos stadium
Vitinho has since become one of the top fullbacks in Brazilian football and earned a fresh call-up to Carlo Ancelotti’s Brazil squad. His development has highlighted the progress he’s made since leaving Turf Moor, but the experience he gained in England still shapes his mindset today.
“When I won the Championship with Burnley, Kompany told us the Premier League would be much harder because some players might lose focus after the title. The mental side of keeping the same hunger is the most difficult,” he explained.
That attitude seems to define Vitinho’s career at this stage. Grounded, consistent and motivated. He looks grateful to Burnley, but ultimately determined to keep pushing Botafogo forward rather than looking back to England.