Nascimento explains sudden Sundowns exit after joining PSL newbies Royal AM

Ricardo Nascimento says he is grateful to Mamelodi Sundowns for the time he spent at the club, while being excited to sign for Royal AM.

The 35-year-old made his exit from the Brazilians this week after five and a half years where he won numerous trophies.

Nascimento made 139 appearances for Sundowns since signing from Brazilian club Atletico Monte Azul in June 2016. He became a reliable penalty-taker for Masandawana, scoring 17 goals.

But he made way for new signing Erwin Saveerda with the club already having a full quota of foreign players, including Gaston Sirino, Pavol Safranko, Divine Lunga and Peter Shalulile, and now Saveerda.

Nascimento posted on social media: "I'm very grateful to Sundowns for all these years I have worn this shirt and for all the titles and achievements we have been able to conquer together as a team.

"I would also like to thank President Patrice Motsepe for all the support he has always given to me and my family.

"My departure from the Sundowns was due to a request from the club, which needed to open a foreigner spot in the team for this season, so it was time to say goodbye.

"I'm very happy to announce that I will be joining a new family here in South Africa, the Royal AM family, and thank you President MaMkhize for opening the doors of the club for me, for allowing me to wear another important shirt in South African football. I will do my best for Royal AM."

I'm very grateful to @sundownsfc for all these years I have worn this shirt and for all the titles and achievements we have been able to conquer together as a team. I would also like to thanks President Patrice Motsepe for all the support he has always given to me and my family…