Enner Valencia arrives at Boca Juniors, fans plan to tattoo his autograph

Enner Valencia's arrival in Buenos Aires has ignited fervent anticipation among Boca Juniors supporters. The Ecuadorian forward landed on Saturday, August 8, to complete medical examinations and finalize his contract with the renowned Argentine club.

Upon exiting the airport and later the medical facility, dozens of fans awaited him. They sought photos, signed jerseys, and a memento from the player poised to become the second Ecuadorian to wear the Boca shirt. A particularly striking scene unfolded when five young fans asked Valencia to sign their forearms. The all-time leading scorer for Ecuador's national team obliged, leaving his autograph on their skin.

These fans later confirmed to ESPN that they intended to get Valencia's signature tattooed permanently. They also shared their enthusiasm for his signing, expressing hopes that he will become the prolific goalscorer Boca needs. Valencia himself conveyed his excitement upon arriving in Argentina. "The truth is, I'm very happy to be in Argentina. We will prepare and experience what it means to be at Boca. We know from the outside the frenzy this club generates; now we want to live it from the inside and with great happiness," he stated.

Valencia, who is making his first foray into Argentine football, revealed he turned down a return to his boyhood club, Emelec. He explained that his family had already resettled in Ecuador, making a return to Emelec seem likely. "I rejected my club, Emelec. It was difficult because for the first time, my whole family and all our belongings were back in Ecuador. It seemed we were going to stay, but when Boca appeared, it was impossible to say no," he confessed.