He was expected as the Messiah. Welcomed like a rock star by the supporters upon his arrival, former Olympian Dimitri Payet played his first minutes in the jersey of Vasco de Gama (1-1 in Bahia) on behalf of the 22nd day of the Brazilian Championship.
Main reinforcement of the carioca club for the last part of the tournament, the 36-year-old midfielder entered the lawn of the Fonte Nova Arena in Salvador (northeast) after the break to replace Serginho. Even if he was not directly involved in his team’s equalizer, obtained on a penalty in the 63rd minute, the Habs have already been able to admire their fast ball catches and their good passing quality. The Reunionese could even have offered the decisive caviar to offer such an important victory to his new club, but his partner Jair failed to conclude.
Vasco da Gama, currently 18th out of 20, strengthened before the end of the season to try to avoid relegation. Thirty-eight times international with the Blues, Payet could be established for the first time in the next match, Saturday, September 16, on the occasion of the prestigious Rio derby against Fluminense.
