Striker unveiled at Maracanã before Brazilian league game; eligible to play from July after World Cup registration window reopens.
1:11 AM
Fluminense presented striker Hulk on Saturday at the Maracanã stadium ahead of the club's match against São Paulo in the Brazilian championship. The player donned the number 7 shirt and addressed supporters for the first time as a Fluminense athlete.
"I come with great willingness, great determination to make worthwhile every effort that was made," Hulk said in his opening remarks.
Announced 11 days earlier, Hulk signed a contract through the end of 2027. However, he will not be eligible to play for the club until July, when the Brazilian football registration window reopens following the World Cup. His scheduled debut is set for July 22 against Bragantino at the Maracanã in a league match, provided all goes as planned.
Until then, Hulk will support his new teammates from the sidelines, including during Saturday's match against São Paulo. The player said he has been contributing to the squad during training sessions in his first days at the club.
"I think I can help as I have been helping. Since I arrived here, in my daily training, transmitting my energy to the players, there is a very good relationship," Hulk said. "It is a very light environment to work in. I am sure that everyone is prepared."
Hulk was announced by Fluminense on May 5 after reaching a termination agreement with Atlético-MG, where he had been a free agent in the transfer market. In his first interview wearing the tricolor shirt, the striker pledged to repay the effort made to sign him.
"I thank Fluminense for the confidence. I arrive with great willingness to repay every effort that was made. We are confident, yes, to qualify," Hulk said.
Fluminense beat São Paulo 2-1 on Saturday at the Maracanã, reaching 30 points and third place while new signing Hulk was presented to supporters.
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