Botafogo owner John Textor was an emotional wreck after his side’s Copa Libertadores triumph, but may have upset fans of his other club, Lyon.
The American businessman saw his side win their first South American Champions League just two years after he purchased them on their return to the top flight.
Botafogo went down to 10 men with less than two minutes on the clock, but ended up winning 3-1 against Atlético Mineiro for a remarkable triumph.
Speaking post-match Textor was in bits, and said: “They worked so hard and they won it! I love them!
“They said we weren’t mentally strong and our boys proved otherwise. They were wrong.”
Often criticised for his ownership of both clubs, he added: “But we have done more good things than bad.
“I grew up in Florida, which has strong relations with South America. For me, that is more important than anything that happens in Europe. It is phenomenal.”
Those comments will go down particularly badly, given that Lyon have been handed an administrative relegation unless they pay off debts worth €100million.
Textor indicated that he’d make sales at Botafogo and Crystal Palace to avoid any risk, but his love for the Brazilian side seemingly shows no bounds.
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