体坛英语新闻：Seedorf says Brazil can attract other European stars

RIO DE JANEIRO, July 9 (Xinhua) -- Former Dutch international midfielder Clarence Seedorf says his signing with Rio de Janeiro club Botafogo could pave the way for other established European stars to play in Brazil.

The 36-year-old gave his first press conference on Monday since arriving in Rio and surprised journalists with his near flawless command of the Portuguese language.

"I might have opened the door for European players to consider coming to Brazil to play," said Seedorf, whose wife Luviana is Brazilian and a lifelong Botafogo fan.

"The level of Brazilian football is excellent which is proven by the fact Brazilian players who go to Europe adapt very quickly. They obviously have a different mentality, a different game style, a different rhythm."

Seedorf's two-year deal with Botafogo comes after a celebrated career in Europe in which he won four Champions League titles at three clubs, namely Ajax, Real Madrid and AC Milan where he lifted the trophy twice.

Days after Botafogo confirmed the playmaker's signing, fellow Brazilian club Internacional announced it had struck a three-year deal with Uruguay international striker Diego Forlan.

Last week former Portugal midfielder Deco, who plays with Botafogo's cross-city rival Fluminense, praised Seedorf for his move and said it reflected Brazilian football's growing profile.