Brazil star Hulk reveals why transfer to Jose Mourinho’s Tottenham broke down despite Spurs having bid accepted
Sponsored by
TOTTENHAM had a move accepted for Hulk in 2020 - but it fell through because they could not get a visa for the Brazilian.
Hulk has released a book about his career and in it he details his move to Atletico Mineiro in January 2021.
But before signing for the Brazilian club, Hulk was a free agent and had accepted a proposal from Spurs.
Former boss Jose Mourinho was keen to bring the forward to north London but Hulk did not meet the criteria required to get a visa.
Hulk explained: "There was a score with some criteria to be played in England.
"Having recent call-ups by the Brazilian national team, and having played in some of the top five leagues in the world: Italy, Spain, Germany, England or France were some of them.
Read More in Football
"I spent a good amount of time in China and consequently outside the national team's call-ups. Lawyers even tried a special license, but it was not possible."
Hulk also had the opportunity to move to Atletico Madrid and Besiktas but the proposals fell through.
He also rejected Benfica due to his allegiance to Porto.
Away from the football pitch Hulk recently became a father for the fourth time.
His partner Camila Angelo - the niece of his ex-wife - gave birth to their daughter Zaya at a hospital in Miami earlier this month.
Most read in Football
SUN BINGO GET £50 BONUS & 50 FREE SPINS TODAY
His ex-wife Iran Angelo is heartbroken, claiming Camila was like a daughter to her.
She said it feels like she is "burying her daughter alive".
Hulk was married to her for 12 years and the former couple even had three children together before separating in 2019.
He has been with Camila ever since.
The pair married in March 2020 with Camila in need of a visa at the time in order to remain in China, where Hulk was playing for Shanghai SIPG.