Manchester City flop Roque Santa Cruz could be leaving European football altogether when his contract expires after admitting his interest in joining Brazilian side Botafogo.
The Paraguayan striker, 31, signed for £17.5 million under Mark Hughes – who also managed him at Blackburn Rovers – in 2009.
But Santa Cruz – who has spent the last two and a half seasons out on loan – is out of contract this summer and believes a move to Brazil is an attractive option.
“It is interest that exists and that I know about,” he told Paraguay’s Radio La Nueva Rgs.
“My representatives are looking at the opportunity that’s been presented, and they are talking. Studying.
“It’s a very big club, I am flattered by the interest.”
After his first season at City was beset by injury problems, the Paraguayan fell out of favour under Roberto Mancini and has not played for the Blues since November 2010.
He made just 24 appearances for City, scoring four times, and spent time on loan at Blackburn, Real Betis and Malaga, where he currently is.
Despite a number of clubs rumoured to be interested in the striker last summer, his wage demands reportedly prevented a move away.
However, the Paraguayan international – who has not played in his home continent since leaving Olimpia for Bayern Munich in 1999 – is now keen on a move to South America.
“Brazilian football has one of the most competitive leagues in the world and a high footballing attraction, equally as strong as Europe,” he added.
“It’s clear that it could be something important for me.”
Image courtesy of Sky Sports, via YouTube, with thanks.
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