WELLINGTON, New Zealand (AP) — New Zealand defender Tim Paine has achieved viral fame after being chosen by soccer influencers before a match. world cupannounced that he will play for Club Olimpia in Paraguay.
Payne’s number of followers on Instagram jumped from 4,700 to 5.8 million following the incident. Influencer El Scalso, His real name is Valen Scarsini, and he was named as the World Cup player with the least number of followers on social media.
Due to his sudden rise to fame, clubs from Argentina, Paraguay, Uruguay and Mexico expressed interest in signing Payne. he confirmed on Friday Previous AP coverage He has signed a one-year contract with Olympia.
“This was not an easy decision,” Payne said. “I played 149 games for seven years with Wellington Phoenix (in the A-League).
“Thank you to my fans, teammates and everyone who has supported me throughout my career, in good times and bad. Without you, I wouldn’t be here representing my country at the World Cup, the pinnacle of sport.”
He is looking forward to competing with his new club.
“I’ve always pushed myself to be the best soccer player I can be,” Payne said. “To test myself in the Copa Libertadores and Copa Sudamericana, the pinnacle of South American football, is one of the greatest opportunities I could have ever hoped for as a professional.”
Olimpia recently won their 48th title in the Copa de Primera Apertura in Paraguay.
“Club Olimpia is one of the biggest clubs in South America, with a great history, passionate supporters and ambition worthy of its status,” said Payne. “I look forward to rising to that challenge.”
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AP World Cup: https://apnews.com/FIFA-World-Cup
