While John Textor continues to be involved in many controversies in Brazil, it seems he may have just revealed an attempt to bring a manager to Crystal Palace.
The businessman spoke to Botafogo TV, the official channel of his club in Rio de Janeiro, at the weekend and talked about his relationship with Palmeiras, who are in a big fight with him.
Textor first claimed he’s not offended by recent comments made by their president Leila Pereira. And when commenting about their manager Abel Ferreira, he said he tried to bring him to Europe. The quotes come from ESPN.
“I love him as a man, as a person. I tried to quietly steal him away from them before. He never listened to me. For jobs elsewhere. Not here.”
ESPN adds that Textor’s idea was to either bring Ferreira to Lyon or Crystal Palace. The outlet recalls that an attempt to sign him for the French side happened in June 2022, but it’s not clear whether he also tried with the Eagles.
The Portuguese manager has been doing very well at Palmeiras since his arrival in South America, and it’s no surprise that Premier League clubs would try for him, with West Ham United’s attempt recently revealed as well.
Crystal Palace had searches for managers with the departures of Patrick Vieira and Roy Hodgson in recent years, and Textor may be referring to one of those occasions.
Of course, now they’re perfectly fine under Oliver Glasner.