Brazilian Ricardo Nascimento has shared his appreciation for the crucial role former mentor Pitso Mosimane played in his career as the defender plots his next transfer move in the twilight of his decorated career.

Nascimento – who plays as left footed central defender – has spent the past season and a half playing for Royal AM where he has even worn the armband with distinction.

The Brazilian defender joined Royal AM after the end of his successful five-and-a-half year stay at Mamelodi Sundowns.

To get to Sundowns it was the influence of Pitso Mosimane, who is now at Al Wahda in the United Arab Emirates.  

The 36-year-old’s trophy collection from his time at Sundowns has the Nedbank Cup, Telkom Knockout, MTN8, CAF Super Cup, CAF Champions League and multiple league titles.

"I really want to thank Pitso and Sundowns for making it possible for me to play in Africa and get to know this country that my family and I love to live in," Nascimento tells KickOff.

"I’m very happy here and that is why I want to finish my career here in South Africa.

"My wife really likes it here and my kids are studying here," says Nascimento.

In the recently completed season, Nascimento played a prominent role while contributing three goals with two assists in 24 appearances.

However, Royal AM have chosen against exercising the option of a further year on the defender's contract and the 36-year-old is now pursuing other options.

The left-footed defender has previously played back home in Brazil before European spells in Austria and Portugal.

Fonte: snl24.com