Ivorian footballer Salomon Kalou has joined Brazilian club Botafogo after leaving Gemany’s Hertha Berlin as a free agent.
The 34-year-old joins the team two days after announcing his departure from Bundesliga side after a six-year spell.
Bienvenue, Kalou! Craque marfinense é o novo jogador do BOTAFOGO! #PutFire ⭐🇨🇮 pic.twitter.com/xchDuigGTp
— Botafogo F.R. (de 🏠) (@Botafogo) July 9, 2020
Disclosing this development, the Rio de Janeiro based outfit published a video on its social media handle.
Kalou agora tem muito orgulho de ser Botafogo! 📝 #PutFire 🔥 pic.twitter.com/QcmWyf0a87
— Botafogo F.R. (de 🏠) (@Botafogo) July 9, 2020
According to a report on Goal, while no details have been revealed about his contract in terms of duration, it is expected that he will make his debut for the team when the Brazilian league returns in August. The report added that Botafogo had earlier failed to secure a deal for Yaya Toure.
Nevertheless, Kalou joins former Japan international midfielder Keisuke Honda as his new club looks to challenge for honours.
Ivory Coast forward Kalou departed Hertha Berlin this summer, scoring 53 goals and creating 16 assists in 173 appearances.
Botafogo are among the top clubs in Rio and the former Chelsea star is expected to add bite to their attack when football returns in the country after a coronavirus pandemic break.
Kalou helped Chelsea win the Premier League in 2010 and the UEFA Champions League in 2012. He won the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations trophy with his nation and scored 188 goals and produced 91 assists in 589 club appearances.
