Video: Ziyech arrives in Brazil with a warm welcome chant in Arabic for the Morocco star

Around 100 Botafogo fans gathered outside the airport walls, chanting "Salamaleiko" in Portuguese, meaning "Peace be upon you".

They also sang a song in the player's name, belting out "Ziyech has appeared" in a warm welcome for the Moroccan international, according to Globo and ESPN Brazil.

Ziyech gave his first comments to Botafogo's official channel. "Everything went well. The trip was a little long, but it was comfortable. I am very excited. This is my first visit to Brazil, but it has always been one of my wishes. And now it has become a reality," he said.

"Brazil is number 1 in the world of football. It is a way of life here, something that touches my heart and that I long to experience," he added.

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Ziyech is expected to undergo his medical at Botafogo's Lonier training centre today, Wednesday, before putting pen to paper on a deal that runs until December 2028.

Now 33, Ziyech built a fine career on the old continent with Ajax (2016-2020), Chelsea (2020-2023) and Galatasaray (2023-2025). He then returned to Morocco's Wydad before making the move to Brazil.

The winger featured at two World Cups, in 2018 and 2022, and shone during Morocco's historic run in Qatar, when they reached the last four.

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