Olympiacos marked an important chapter in Rodinei’s career, with the two sides formally ending their partnership on Wednesday after 3.5 years. The Brazilian, who signed with Santos, was beloved in Greece and grew to love the country; he experienced great moments with the “Red-and-Whites,” winning the Conference League in 2024, the double in 2025, plus that year’s Super Cup.
The experienced defensive midfielder had indicated after the end of last season that he was considering a return to his homeland, even though he had one more year left on his contract with the Piraeus club.
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Speaking to the Brazilian outlet “Globo,” he said: “Being a good person is one thing; being a pushover and a fool is something else.” I learned that from my uncle a long time ago. My uncle from Tatui, back when I was little. He told me, ‘Rody, being a good person is one thing. Being a fool is something else.’ And that’s true. I’m a good person, but I’m not a fool. People may say that Roddy is so funny (in terms of humor). But I’m not a fool. I’m a family man and I have three daughters. I have a family. Making jokes and being considered funny because of your sense of humor doesn’t mean you’re a fool.”
He then emphasized: “I take each day as it comes. I’m not closing any doors in Brazil because it’s a place I love. It’s the style of soccer I love. Playing in the Libertadores, the Brazilian League, and the Cup is amazing. I love it. The other day, I was talking with Ortega—we were opponents in the Libertadores in 2022 when he was playing for Vélez. I told him, ‘Sometimes I miss the Libertadores.’ And he said, “Yeah, ‘Rodi.’ I miss playing in that tournament. It was so great.”
So that’s what we talked about. It’s not that I don’t see myself finishing my career here (at Olympiacos). That’s not it. It’s about the opportunities and what might happen. I have one more year left on my contract, and I don’t know if it will be renewed, if I’ll see it through to the end, or if a team from Brazil will show interest. I don’t know. I leave those matters in the hands of my agent, who’s smarter than I am when it comes to handling these things.”
*photo source: KYPE
