Former Mamelodi Sundowns defender Ricard Nascimento has broken his silence on his surprise move to Royal AM.
The 35-year-old left Masandawana after spending six years at Chlorkop after the DStv Premiership leaders decided to unregister him to free up one of their foreign spots for new signings Erwin Saavedra.
Nascimento was offered an administrative role by Sundowns but opted to continue his playing career and was unveiled by Royal AM on Thursday.
“I’m very grateful to Sundowns for all these years I have worn this shirt and for all the titles and achievements we have been able to conquer together as a team,” he wrote on social media.
“I would also like to thanks President Patrice Motsepe for all the support he has always given to me and my family…
“My departure from the Sundowns was due to a request from the club, which needed to open a foreigner spot in the team for this season, so it was time to say goodbye.
“Im very happy to announce that I will be joining a new family here in South Africa, the Royal AM family +
“Thank you President MaMkhize for opening the doors of the club for me, for allowing me to wear another important shirt in South African football. I will do my best for Royal AM.”
Nascimento had joined Sundowns in 2016 and during his time with the club he won four Premiership titles, as well as a Telkom Knockout trophy, the Nedbank Cup, the CAF Champions League, and CAF Super Cup.
He made 139 appearances for Masandawana in all competitions over six seasons, scoring 17 goals.
