Brazilian club Botafogo has opted to sign another ex-Chelsea star Salomon Kalou after been heavily linked to former Nigeria international John Mikel Obi
The Ivory Coast international made the switch to Botafogo following his departure from German side Hertha Berlin.
Details of the deal were not revealed, however, the club confirmed that they decided to go for Kalou, 34, after failing to recruit his compatriot Yaya Touré.
Kalou, who spent six seasons at Chelsea, says he is “happy and proud” to join Botafogo, who will return to action when the Brazilian league resumes in August after months of suspension due to Covid-19.
At his new club, the Ivorian will play alongside former Japan international Keisuke Honda who joined the Fogao last January.
It is not yet clear if Botafogo will still consider a move for Mikel or the acquisition of Kalou marks an end to the interest in the Nigeria creative midfielder.