Camilo Cándido: “I was good in Brazil, but I’m going to be even better here”

Uruguayan full-back Camilo Cándido arrived in Mexico City on Friday night, where he will undergo a medical and sign his new contract once approved, to become Cruz Azul’s latest reinforcement for the Apertura 2024.

With a positive attitude and attentive to the media that had gathered, waiting for his arrival, the 28-year-old Uruguayan delivered his first statements and feelings about becoming a player for La Máquina, and what it means for him to join one of Mexican soccer’s big clubs.

“Whenever interest from Cruz Azul is mentioned, the first thing you say is yes,” the defender told reporters. “They are a great team - every player would love to be there. I have to take advantage of this opportunity. I was happy in Brazil, but here I will be even better. It’s the right move, a good decision. I have spoken with Iván [Alonso]; I was also very seduced by the work that Martín [Anselmi] has done because I saw the work he did at Independiente del Valle and to be honest, I think that he is a great coach”.

Cándido has enjoyed a long and varied career which has included spells at clubs including Rampla Juniors, Liverpool F.C, Nacional and Bahía. Cruz Azul management were impressed with what they saw of the player both during his loan spell in Brazil and in Uruguay with Nacional. He has vast experience in South American football has quality both defensively and going forward.

He also boasts an impressive honors record - he has won the Uruguayan League and two Super Cups, two of those won with Nacional, the other with Montevideo’s Liverpool FC. It is expected in the next few hours that the same club will make the signing official on their official social media platforms. Cándido will become the third addition ahead of the next tournament, following the recent arrivals of Iván Alonso (Sport Director and Martín Anselmi (coach).