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World Cup Player Tim Payne Joins Olimpia, Calls it 'One of South America's Biggest Clubs'
🇵🇾 Paraguay /Sports

World Cup Player Tim Payne Joins Olimpia, Calls it 'One of South America's Biggest Clubs'

From ABC Color · () Spanish

Translated from Spanish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources New plan
  • New Zealand defender Tim Payne has officially joined Paraguayan club Olimpia, calling it one of South America's biggest clubs.
  • Payne expressed gratitude to his former club, Wellington Phoenix, and highlighted the challenge of competing in South American tournaments like the Copa Libertadores.
  • The move is also personally significant for Payne, as it allows his family to immerse themselves in his partner's Paraguayan culture.

New Zealand international defender Tim Payne has officially signed with Paraguayan powerhouse Olimpia, expressing his excitement about joining what he considers one of South America's most prestigious clubs. The move comes after Payne gained significant international attention during the World Cup.

Payne shared an emotional farewell message to his former club, Wellington Phoenix, where he spent seven years and played 149 matches. He credited the club's fans and teammates for his career progression, which culminated in representing his country at the World Cup. "Without you, I wouldn't be here representing my country in the World Cup, the very pinnacle of this sport," he stated.

The Club Olimpia is one of the biggest clubs in South America, with an incredible history, a passionate fanbase, and ambitions befitting its greatness. I am looking forward to taking on that challenge. I am ready.

— Tim PayneDescribing his motivation for joining Olimpia and his anticipation of competing in top South American club tournaments.

Looking ahead, Payne is eager to test himself in the highly competitive South American football landscape. He specifically mentioned the Copa Libertadores and Copa Sudamericana as major draws. "The Club Olimpia is one of the biggest clubs in South America, with an incredible history, a passionate fanbase, and ambitions befitting its greatness. I am looking forward to taking on that challenge. I am ready," Payne declared.

Beyond the professional aspirations, Payne's transfer to Paraguay holds deep personal meaning. It offers an opportunity for his family, particularly his son Brooklyn, to connect with his partner's heritage. "For our family, this is something really special. For my son, Brooklyn, to grow up speaking Spanish like his mother, to immerse ourselves in my partner's culture and her family's world... that's what makes it," he explained.

For our family, this is something really special. For my son, Brooklyn, to grow up speaking Spanish like his mother, to immerse ourselves in my partner's culture and her family's world... that's what makes it.

— Tim PayneExplaining the personal significance of moving to Paraguay for his family.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by ABC Color in Spanish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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