The performance of the Tricolor’s number 21 has been widely praised by the international press: ‘A great moment for me’
Attacking midfielder Jhon Arias, one of the main names in Fluminense’s campaign in the 2025 Club World Cup, was asked about the interest of European clubs in signing him. In an interview in the mixed zone before the semi-final against Chelsea, the Colombian preferred not to go into detail on the subject. “I don’t think it’s really relevant at the moment,” he answered directly. “I’m about to play in a semi-final and that’s my focus, enjoying my moment in the present.”
International recognition and individual moment
The performance of the Tricolor’s number 21 has been widely praised by the international press. Against Borussia Dortmund, Arias stood out to the point of being named the best on the field. For the player, the current tournament represents a milestone in his professional career.
“It has been a great World Cup to make our fans proud, which I have enjoyed a lot. I feel that it has been a great moment for me personally in my career. Maybe one of the best.” – Jhon Arias
Awareness of continental responsibility
Fluminense reaches the semifinals as the only non-European representative. The team will face Chelsea on Tuesday (8), at 4 pm (Brasília time), at MetLife Stadium, in New Jersey. Arias highlighted the symbolic importance of the occasion. “I think it is clear that people know the responsibility they have. People know the feeling they have of representing an entire continent, of representing a country, of representing our culture, our way of experiencing football,” said the player.
Secret of the campaign: humility and internal focus
Regarding the group’s performance, the athlete revealed what he considers to be the differential of the team led by Renato Gaúcho. “What got us to the semi-finals was humility. It’s our main factor, it’s our differentiator. And against Chelsea, we can’t give that up. It’s been our big secret,” he commented. According to Arias, the team is mentally protected: “We know how valuable we are, the players, and the great coach we have. For us, nothing is a coincidence, nothing happened overnight.”
Solid campaign in the World Cup
The club’s journey to the semi-finals included a draw with Borussia Dortmund, a victory over Ulsan and another draw against Mamelodi Sundowns in the group stage. They then eliminated Inter Milan in the round of 16, winning 2-0, and beat Al Hilal in the quarter-finals. Arias valued the journey and recognized the role of the fans. “Everywhere we go, we feel their warmth, and I’m sure they’ll do their part in the game (against Chelsea).”
Expectations for the semi-final
The match against the English team represents, as Arias himself highlighted, one of the most remarkable moments in the recent history of the Laranjeiras club. “A moment like this is never going to happen again. We are aware of this responsibility”, he concluded.
