According to an interview with John Textor published in the Financial Times on Wednesday, and reported by RMC Sport, the American businessman and new majority shareholder of Olympique Lyonnais has received death threats from supporters of Botafogo since the winter transfer of Jeffinho to Olympique Lyonnais. The Brazilian club’s fans have been unhappy with the player’s departure and blame Textor for it.
“I had to change my phone number. You can’t imagine how quickly things can change,” said the American, echoing the welcome he received when he arrived at Botafogo last year. “When I came down to Rio, I was treated like a king everywhere I went.”
“It’s easy for people to say that Americans are bad, that having multiple clubs is bad. I understand, the fans don’t know me and they don’t know my heart. They think I’m a money man.”
Jeffinho, who was recruited injured for €10 million, made a strong debut for Lyon on Tuesday in the French Cup quarter-finals against Grenoble. Despite being substituted at half-time due to a physical issue, the 23-year-old Brazilian forward scored a goal and impressed the home fans with his performance.
GFFN | George Boxall
