Walter Montillo has expressed his desire to leave Cruzeiro and join Brazilian Campeonato champions Corinthians.
The Argentine midfielder joined Cruzeiro from Universidad de Chile in 2010 and has been a star player for the Belo Horizonte side.
However, after helping Cruzeiro narrowly avoid relegation, Montillo now looks set to join Corinthians, who would reportedly pay around €19 million for his services.
While negotiations have not yet begun, Montillo issued a statement saying that it is an opportunity that is too good to pass up.
"I've always been happy at Cruzeiro, I have great affection for the fans especially, but I'm 27 and this time I have to think about what is best for my family," he said.
"I saw the president's statement yesterday saying the decision would be up to me and I believe that I can not miss this opportunity. I want to make clear that at no time have I expressed a desire to leave Cruzeiro. I chose to stay away from speculation and negotiations to enjoy the holidays with my family. On Wednesday I met with my manager and I was informed about the official proposal I received from Corinthians."
Montillo is set to talk with Cruzeiro president Gilvan de Pinho Tavares to let him know his decision and then the two clubs will try to iron out a deal.
"I do not want to hurt Cruzeiro and I think that they should benefit from my sale," added Montillo. "I have not had the opportunity to speak with the president but I know what I read in the newspapers, which are prices outside of the realm of the Latin American market, which only makes me believe that his true intention is not to negotiate."
