Ziyech has stated that joining Botafogo is not for financial reasons, but because he hopes to find a new challenge in Brazil and return to his best form.

After years playing in Europe, then the Middle East and North Africa, Ziyech decided to start a new chapter in his career, this time choosing the Brazilian league. The decision has raised many questions about his true motivations and his prospects for the Moroccan national team.

Days after joining Botafogo, the Moroccan international was interviewed by Afrik Foot and discussed why he embarked on this new journey. He also revealed details about his departure from Wydad Casablanca, explaining that money was not the key factor in his decision. He spoke about his goals at Botafogo and the possibility of returning to the Moroccan national team.

The 33-year-old stated that moving to Brazil was about seeking a different challenge and an environment that could help him rediscover the passion he had lost. He emphasized that he does not view this step as the end of his career, but as a new beginning, hoping to return to his best form through this move.

Ziyech said his decision to join the Brazilian league was not driven by financial factors, though he acknowledged there may have been other more lucrative offers at the time.

Ziyech stated: "For me, joining the Brazilian league is not just about money. At this stage of my career, I want a new challenge, and most importantly, to find a place where I can enjoy football again."

He added: "In Brazil, football is played differently. The fans here have extraordinary passion for the sport, and that atmosphere captivates me."

Ziyech went on to emphasize that money was not the deciding factor in his choice, though he also acknowledged he had other more lucrative financial options.

He continued: "Of course, there were other options, some of which may have been more attractive financially, but I didn't want money to be the only determining factor in my next step. I want to play football, experience new things, and test myself in a strong and different league."

The Moroccan international also noted that his long experience in Europe, as well as the Middle East and North Africa, made him feel it was time to go to Brazil for a new experience.

He said: "I'm 33 years old and have rich experience in Europe, the Middle East, and North Africa, so I felt it was time to discover Brazil. I want to understand this country, its league, and its fans, but most importantly, I want to contribute to Botafogo."

When Ziyech returned to Morocco by joining Wydad Casablanca, it drew significant attention, particularly his decision to return home after years away.

However, Ziyech emphasized that his return to Morocco was not for money, but for personal and sporting motivation, especially to be closer to his family and play in front of Moroccan fans.

He said: "My return to Morocco and playing for Wydad was a decision I made after careful consideration. I didn't come back for money, but because I wanted to be closer to my family and play in front of Moroccan fans."

However, Ziyech's experience at Wydad did not go as expected, and disagreements arose between the two sides over working conditions and financial matters.

Ziyech explained: "But football is not just about emotion. After some time, things changed within the club, and we had disagreements over certain details, especially working conditions and financial issues. At one point, I felt things weren't going as I expected, so we mutually decided to part ways."

Despite leaving Wydad, Ziyech still emphasized that his departure did not mean he rejected playing in Morocco. He said his experience at the Casablanca club was very important to him.

He said: "I didn't leave Morocco because I don't want to play there. On the contrary, this experience was very valuable to me, and I have great respect for Wydad and their fans. But at this stage of my career, I felt I needed a new challenge and an environment where I could fully focus on football."

Botafogo's invitation came when Ziyech was seeking a fresh start, and the Brazilian club offered him an opportunity completely different from other options.

Ziyech said: "When I received the invitation from Botafogo, I thought it was a completely different opportunity. Brazil's love for football is very special, the club has big ambitions, and the fans are very passionate."

He also stated that this is what drove him to choose going to Brazil over staying in Morocco. He added: "So I preferred to experience this journey rather than simply stay in Morocco just to be closer to my homeland."

The Moroccan player emphasized that his feelings toward his country remain very deep, but he also believes his professional career requires him to make the right decisions for his future.

He said: "I am Moroccan, and I will always love my country dearly. But my football career also requires me to make my own decisions. Ultimately, I chose a place where I feel happiest and can perform my best at this stage."

Ziyech's prospects for the national team have also been a focus of public inquiry, particularly given that he has gradually moved away from Morocco's team plans in recent years and is now starting a new experience in Brazil.

Ziyech did not close the door on returning to the Moroccan national team, but he also said his return should depend on his performance on the field, rather than purely on personal desire.

He said: "I believe Botafogo will give me the opportunity to prove that I can still play at the highest level, but returning to the national team depends not just on the club or coach; first and foremost, I have to prove my worth on the field."

He added: "If I perform the way I know I can, and the Morocco coach thinks I deserve to return, I would be delighted to wear the Morocco national team jersey again."

The Moroccan national team holds a special place in Ziyech's career, particularly the 2022 World Cup, where he helped the team reach the semifinals, an unprecedented achievement.

Ziyech said: "The national team means a lot to me. I've had many unforgettable moments with it, especially the 2022 World Cup. So I will never rule out the possibility of returning."

But he also emphasized that he does not want to force his way into the coaching staff's plans, but rather hopes to reclaim his position through performances. He said: "But I don't want to force my way in; I want to earn it through my performances at Botafogo."

Despite being 33 years old and signing a contract with Botafogo through the end of 2028, Ziyech still refuses to view this move to Brazil as the beginning of the end of his career.

The Moroccan player stated that his ambitions remain high, and he came to Botafogo to achieve success and pursue goals, rather than to wind down in the final years before retirement.

He said: "I didn't come to Brazil to end my football career; quite the opposite. I signed with Botafogo through the end of 2028 because I always have ambitions and always want to win."

He added: "I want to play, score goals, provide assists, and help the team achieve its objectives. I know what I can offer. Now it's up to me to prove it on the field."

Ziyech has started a new chapter in his career in Brazil, leaving behind his experience at Wydad, and hopes to return to his best form at Botafogo. At the same time, the door to the Moroccan national team remains open for him, but the condition is clear: he must prove himself through his performances on the field.

Botafogo will next play a rescheduled Matchday 21 of the Brazilian league against Grêmio, which could be an important opportunity for Ziyech to showcase himself to his new club's fans.

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