Uruguay striker Abreu considers Botafogo exit

Rio de Janeiro: Uruguay international striker Loco Abreu, stripped of his status as first-choice striker, has admitted he could leave Brazilian club Botafogo.

The 35-year-old has scored 12 goals since the arrival of coach Oswaldo de Oliveira in January but in recent weeks has had his starting spot taken by Argentine forward German Herrera, reports said. "I`m not going to argue with the tactics of the team," the former Deportivo La Coruna and Real Sociedad striker said Monday. "I have a lot of respect for Oswaldo and I understand his decision. One day I am going to be a coach too and I`ll also have to make tough decisions." "I have never been treated as well as I have at Botafogo and that is why it`s such a tough decision. But I have to do what`s best for my career and see if the current situation affects my position with the national team. I will make the right decision for me and the club." Botafogo president Mauricio Assumpcao said the Rio outfit would support Abreu regardless of his decision. "He has to do what is best for his career and we will respect that decision," Assumpcao said. Abreu has scored 26 goals from 68 appearances for Uruguay since his international debut in 1996. IANS