Midfielder Thiago Almada chose to sign with River Plate, instead of Flamengo, in a move that made him the most expensive acquisition in the Argentine club’s history, with an investment of 20 million euros (equivalent to around R$119 million). In an interview given on August 12, 2026, the player explained the reasons that led him to prefer Millonario to Rubro-Negro.
On the same topic: Thiago Almada maintains training routine in Ibiza while proposals from Flamengo and River Plate are evaluated
“The choice was made during my rest period, mainly after speaking with coach Eduardo Coudet and understanding the plan he devised for the club. I had no doubts”, revealed the athlete. “I missed the intensity of Argentine football, it’s something that I really like.”
The family aspect also had a great influence on his decision. Both the player’s wife and parents expressed their desire for him to remain in Argentina, with his mother’s passion for River Plate being a determining emotional factor.
“My mother was the first to ask for the shirt, she is a fervent River Plate fan,” said Almada. Frequent conversations with Nicolás Otamendi and Ángel Correa, former Argentina teammates and now on the same team, also contributed to his decision to join the club.
More on this story: Thiago Almada prioritizes River Plate for return to Argentina; Flamengo awaits the outcome of the negotiation
“Coudet’s direct contact was extremely meaningful to me,” he added. “I had constant dialogue with him, with Otamendi and with Ángel when he was joining the team. They were key players. My family, including my wife and parents, too. We made this resolution together.”
Learn more: Argentine midfielder Thiago Almada signs with River Plate until 2030 after leaving Atlético de Madrid
After a break of more than fifteen days, Almada informed that he is dedicating himself intensely to training, and compared the current challenge at River Plate with the experience he had when joining Botafogo in 2024.
“I’m giving my all to the exercises, doing everything I can for the team. I’m getting back into the rhythm of the game, I feel good,” he said. “I see this stage as a big test. I know the expectations and enthusiasm surrounding River, and I face it with the same mentality I had when I arrived in Brazil. I’m sure everything will work out.”
“I am fully aware of my origins, the importance of River Plate and the fans’ high expectations. My arrival aims to contribute to the team and help overcome this complex phase, and I believe that, with the quality of our athletes, we will achieve this goal”, he concluded.