Artur Jorge’s time at Botafogo was a defining moment in his career, both on and off the pitch. The coach’s affection for the Brazilian team and its fans was palpable, and he’s now expressed his desire to return to the country to coach again.
During his stay in Rio, Jorge led Botafogo to glory, captivating fans and falling for Nilton Santos’ granddaughter, Hanna Santos. His tenure was marked by a tumultuous divorce, but Jorge’s passion for the team and its supporters remained unwavering. As he took a break from his current role at Al-Rayyan, Jorge returned to Rio to spend time with Hanna and discuss his future plans with Globo Esporte.
Jorge revealed that returning to Brazil is part of his long-term career plan. Although he’s already received offers to come back, he’s committed to making a difference at Al-Rayyan, a team that hasn’t won in a while. “I want to start a season from scratch and try to make a change,” he said. Jorge emphasized that Brazil’s competitive environment, talented players, and strong clubs make it an attractive destination for him.
In his interview, Jorge reminisced about his successful stint at Botafogo and acknowledged that some fans might still be hurt by his departure. “Each person deals with it differently,” he said. “I like to think about what remains, and that’s the name of the 2024 team, the first to win a Libertadores title for Botafogo.” Jorge’s successor at Botafogo, Renato Paiva, is a friend, and he’s currently focused on his own project at Al-Rayyan, thanks to the efforts of his friend and agent, Hugo Cajuda.
Jorge confessed that he was considered for the Qatar national team coaching position but believes his sheikh’s influence helped him stay at Al-Rayyan. Although he’s happy in Arabia, Jorge admitted that he misses the pressure and competitiveness of Brazilian football. “The quality of life here is different, and it makes a big difference,” he said. “What I miss the most is the competitiveness, but for now, I prioritize my quality of life.”