After spending six years at Marseille, Dimitri Payet left the club as a free agent this summer.
The Saudi Arabian sides were particularly interested in landing the 36-year-old Frenchman but he ended up signing up for Vasco da Gama - a team that is currently struggling against relegation in the Brazilian Serie A with just 13 points after 18 games.
Why did he opt for Vasco of all places?
Well, we don't have to resolve this mystery as the player explained it all himself.
"It will be a big challenge for me. I know the situation of Vasco, I know the pressure. This team is warrior-like and reminds me of Marseille. But it's not where it should be. We have to get Vasco where the club deserves to be. It's not just about me, the whole team is great.
"I chose Vasco because I know it's a big club, not just here in Brazil but people also know Vasco in France. We [people in France] know Romario, Juninho, Edmundo and Roberto Dinamite [players who played for Vasco].
"And not only that . There's one more reason to explain my choice. I chose Vasco for its history of fighting racism, the thing they continue doing. It's a team of faith and dedication.
"I'm a player who love challenges and responsibility. For 10 years I had the opportunity to captain Marseille. I know the pressure."
