Jose Cifuentes has disclosed that he turned down offers from England, Turkey, and Russia in order to pursue a career in Brazil.
The Ecuadorian midfielder was permitted to return to South America following a disastrous five months with Rangers. Michael Beale signed Cifuentes from Los Angeles FC in August, but Philippe Clement swiftly found him surplus to requirements.
The 24-year-old will now attempt to restart his career with Cruzeiro, who have the option to buy the playmaker at the end of his loan period. After being officially revealed to the public, Cifuentes confesses he won’t miss the dreary Glasgow weather once he returns to warmer climates.
He said: “There were two Russian teams who wanted to sign me. However, with the war that is going on there, it was something that could not be carried out because European teams are not allowed to receive money from Russian clubs at the moment I think.
“There was a team from the English Championship interested and a club from Turkey too. But it would have been a loan for five months which meant uprooting from family again after they had already had to adapt to Scotland, which would have been a problem.
“So I had to make the best decision for them and that’s why I’m here in Brazil. I made my debut for Cruzeiro last week and it was sunny. I didn’t experience the sun for the six months I was with Rangers. It was always cold.
“But my fitness is good and I think I will adapt here easily. I like to play as an attacking midfielder, but positioning is something that I adapt to the team for who I am playing.”
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