Crystal Palace co-owner John Textor has said no football fans - even those in the Premier League - match the support given in Brazil.
The 56-year-old American businessman is the majority shareholder of Brasileiro outfit Botafogo following his takeover earlier this year and was in Rio de Janeiro to see the club’s 3-1 win over Fortaleza on Sunday night. The result lifts them to fourth in the table despite only being promoted to the top tier of Brazilian football last season.
And while Textor has been a regular visitor to Selhurst Park this season for games, where Palace fans are renowned for their vociferous atmosphere, he told Globo at full-time that nowhere in the world compared to Brazil when it came to supporting their teams.
READ MORE: Crystal Palace co-owner compares Botafogo to Newcastle and Manchester United after takeover
“We don’t have this anywhere in the world that I’ve been,” a tearful Textor told reporter Gabriela Moreira. “I mean, they say that the Premier League in England is the best league in the world. They don’t love, love, love their clubs this way.
“It’s so effusive. It’s incredible. It fills me up with joy every time I watch them. And everybody feels it, it’s not just me. We need to show this to the world. That’s why I’m here, I think. It’s hard to sit here. These people have wanted something for so long. And they work so hard, they deserve this. They love this club. And I love that they trusted me with it. It’s amazing.”
As part of Textor’s visit to Brazil, he will be meeting with leaders across Brazilian football to gain a better understanding of how he can help grow the game domestically and boost its global profile. This marries with his comments after taking over Botafogo when Textor insisted the club would not act as a feeder for Crystal Palace, sending them their best players each season rather than keeping them in Brazil.
A statement from Botafogo announcing Textor’s plans to share his views read: “John Textor will meet this week with Brazilian football leaders, from all groups, to discuss the constitution of the League. Textor intends to share his views, deepen the evaluation of the proposals and seek understanding that better collaborate for the future of football in the country, adhering to the Club's expectations."
