RIO DE JANEIRO, March 28 (Xinhua) -- Former Everton and Aston Villa winger Yannick Bolasie has vowed to bring his trademark creativity to Brazilian football after signing with local top-flight club Criciuma.
Bolasie spoke to reporters for the first time as a Criciuma player on Thursday, more than two weeks after signing with the newly-promoted club.
"I have always been interested in testing myself outside of Europe and I know that the Brazilian league is very competitive," the 34-year-old Democratic Republic of the Congo international said.
"Physically I have been preparing with the team in recent weeks and when the season arrives, the way I have been training, I will certainly be ready with everyone's help."
Bolasie, who arrived on a free transfer after leaving Swansea City in January, has developed a reputation for his unique dribbling skills - including overhead flicks and reverse nutmegs - over a professional career spanning 18 years.
He said that he hoped to treat Criciuma fans to some new moves in the coming months despite his aging legs.
"That's my style of play so it's my aim to keep doing that," Bolasie said. "I believe something new will come up."
Criciuma earned promotion to Brazil's Serie A by finishing third in the country's second tier last year. The club from southern Brazil will begin its 2024 league campaign with a home clash against Juventude on April 13. ■
