A multiple champion for Flamengo, the experienced midfielder pointed out that he was approached by other clubs, but chose to sign with Peixe
Willian Arão was officially presented as a Santos reinforcement this Friday (4/7). The midfielder celebrated the opportunity to wear the number 15 jersey for Peixe and revealed that he turned down offers from other teams.
“It’s an honor to wear the jersey that King Pelé and Clodoaldo once wore. I’m thrilled. It’s an honor, since I was a child my father showed me videos of Santos. It’s Santos. A very big team, with a rich history and that showed an ambitious project, of restoration. I wanted to be part of this process. I received several offers from here in Brazil and abroad. I thought that here was the best option”, he declared.
The 33-year-old player stood out in Brazil playing for Flamengo, but has been playing in European football since 2022. During this period, he played for Fenerbahce, in Turkey, and Panathinaikos, in Greece. Back in his home country, Arão sees himself as a better athlete and explained how his experience abroad can help Alvinegro Praiano.
“We are human beings, we are evolving. I am a better player than when I left. I hope to continue without injuries, playing every game, dedicating myself. I usually have very good consistency. This is the Arão who is arriving. A person who will dedicate himself and will spare no effort to defend this jersey. My time in Europe added a lot to my game. Now I have to fit in with what the coach wants, because that varies from person to person. I have to try to help my teammates with my characteristics and experience”, he analyzed.
“A lot has changed. Understanding the game, tactical reading, talking to other players and understanding their perception. I got used to playing under a lot of pressure. I got used to playing with risks, but then I discovered that there are other ways to win. I understand the game better, how my teammates think. That made me better. The physical and mental side too”, he added.
“Maybe I should try to organize the team better, to create a balance, both when attacking and defending, and to try to organize the defensive and offensive aspects when I have the ball. Sometimes we forget the moves and I have to help them remember them. When you have a more solid and balanced team, you are closer to victory and better football. I believe that when you have a more balanced and cohesive team, knowing what each player has to do, you are closer to winning”, he added.
The midfielder also promised to give his all on the field and stated that, if necessary, he will scold his teammates.
“I am very competitive, I like to push my teammates. If I have to fight, I will fight. I have fought with my teammates. I want to win. Sometimes I am right and sometimes I am wrong. It is important to talk to each other so that we can win. It is important to express my opinion. I will help and they will help me too. I will not solve all the problems. I am not the savior of the nation. I am just another person to help”, he concluded.
Santos should return to the field in the derby against Palmeiras, at home. That is, of course, if the Palmeiras team does not reach the final stages of the Club World Cup. If that happens, Peixe will return to the field on July 16, at 9:30 pm (Brasília time), against Flamengo, at Vila Belmiro, for the 14th round of the Brasileirão.
