Intro:

Former Dutch international Clarence Seedorf attended his first press conference since joining Brazilian Serie A club Botafogo in Rio de Janeiro on Monday.

The 36 year-old former Real Madrid, Inter and AC Milan midfielder thanks the fans for giving him such a warm welcome to Rio and promised that he would repay their generosity on the pitch.

Script:

There was a noisy welcome for Clarence Seedorf in Brazil at the weekend after hundreds of Botafogo fans came to see him arrive at Rio airport.

They then repeated the tribute at the Joao Havelange stadium, before Seedorf was treated to a one-on-one with the Mayor at Rio's City Palace.

Seedorf was moved by the reception.

SOUNDBITE (Portuguese): Clarence Seedorf, Botafogo player
"I'm very thankful for all the love the fans have shown me, both when I arrived at the airport and also later at the stadium. It made me very happy and these are special moments. I will do my best to win their hearts by playing because, in the end, all of this is very beautiful but I know the most important thing is to play well."

Botafogo officials claim that Seedorf's acquisition represents the biggest transaction involving a foreign player coming to Brazil.

And with a 20-year career already under his belt, Seedorf's keen to keep the focus on his game.

SOUNDBITE (Portuguese): Clarence Seedorf, Botafogo player
After 20 years playing football, change is the thing which keeps me motivated. The challenges to change country, play for a new team, these are the things that keep me going. I have always been able to work through this change very quickly. I'm not worried about the quality of the Brazilian pitches, because there aren't always quality pitches in Italy either. Even Spain and England don't have perfect pitches so it won't be a problem."

Seedorf could make his debut against Gremio on July 22nd.