Kalou, Botafogo agree to terminate contract
Apr 03, 2021
Rio de Janeiro (Brazil) Apr 3: Former Chelsea forward Salomon Kalou parted ways with Botafogo on Friday, less than halfway through his 18-month contract with the Brazilian club.
The announcement came after the 36-year-old scored just once in 27 appearances - 13 as a starter - in his first season with the Rio de Janeiro outfit.
"Salomon Kalou is no longer part of the professional squad," read a statement on Botafogo's official website. "After signing the termination agreement, Kalou said goodbye to his teammates. The club wishes him success in his future endeavors."
Kalou joined Botafogo on an 18-month deal as a free agent in August. The Ivorian was the club's second-high profile signing in six months following the arrival of Japanese playmaker Keisuke Honda in February.
Both players struggled to live up to expectations as Botafogo, traditionally one of Brazil's biggest clubs, were relegated to Serie B for the third time in 20 years.
In addition to a trophy-laden six-year spell at Chelsea, Kalou has also represented Feyenoord, Lille and Herth Berlin in a decorated 18-year professional career.
He has been capped 97 times for Cote d'Ivoire and was a part of the African team's 2010 and 2014 FIFA World Cup squads.
Source: Xinhua
