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Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha arrived in Chile on Sunday to complete his move to Colo Colo, bringing an end to a series of documentation and personal setbacks that had delayed his journey three times.
The 40-year-old, who emerged as one of the standout players of the recently concluded World Cup, was welcomed at Santiago airport by a large crowd carrying Colo Colo flags and banners while beating drums and chanting his name.
"I'm very happy to be here. And I want to thank the fans for the patience they've shown while waiting for me," Vozinha told reporters before telling supporters that he would see them at Monumental Stadium, Colo Colo's home ground in Santiago.
Colo Colo, Chile's most successful football club, announced the signing of Josimar Evora Dias, widely known as Vozinha, on July 24. However, problems involving travel documentation and personal matters repeatedly pushed back his arrival and raised concerns over whether the transfer would go ahead.
The goalkeeper is expected to undergo medical examinations on Monday before officially signing an initial six-month contract, which will include an option for a further 12 months.
Colo Colo plans to present Vozinha on Tuesday, when he is also expected to join his new teammates in training for the first time.
The Chilean league leaders hope the veteran goalkeeper can help them secure the domestic championship and prepare for a possible Copa Libertadores campaign next season.
Vozinha made history by becoming the oldest player to feature in a country's first World Cup match and drew widespread attention after keeping eventual champion Spain from scoring.
He went on to produce a series of notable saves against Spain, Uruguay and Lionel Messi's Argentina, which knocked Cape Verde out in the Round of 32.
His performances also brought about a dramatic rise in his public profile. Vozinha had fewer than 50,000 Instagram followers before the tournament, but his audience has since grown to more than 29.5 million.
The goalkeeper arrives in Chile after ending his spell with Chaves in Portugal's second division.
Vozinha will also be allowed to display his famous nickname, which means "grandma" in Portuguese, on the back of his Colo Colo shirt.
Players in Chile had previously been required to use only their surnames on their jerseys. However, the Chilean Football Federation unanimously amended the regulation on Friday so the goalkeeper could officially be identified as Vozinha.
Supporters now expect the World Cup star to carry his international form into Chilean football as Colo Colo look to wrap up the league title and strengthen their continental ambitions.
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