Portuguese coach Pedro Emmanuel has arrived in Rio de Janeiro, marking the start of his new journey at the helm of Brazilian club Vasco da Gama, just days after the announcement of his contract that runs until December 2027.

The 51-year-old coach will lead his first training session with the team on Saturday, beginning a mission in which he aims to restore the club to its natural position in the Brazilian league standings.

A new start after the end of the Al-Fayha experience

Pedro Emmanuel's move to Vasco da Gama came after the end of his stint with Saudi club Al-Fayha, which announced last May the departure of the Portuguese coach coinciding with the conclusion of the Saudi Roshn League competitions.

Al-Fayha finished last season's Saudi Roshn League in tenth place in the standings, after losing to Al-Hilal in the final round, marking the end of Pedro Emmanuel's journey with the team before his move to Brazil.

Al-Fayha published a brief farewell message on its official X account, saying: "Thank you, Pedro Emmanuel."

For his part, the Portuguese coach expressed his gratitude to the club, stressing that he had a special experience with Al-Fayha, and said: "I lived beautiful moments with the club, and the management was supportive in all circumstances. I will leave carrying wonderful memories; this is the nature of the coaching profession."

A diverse coaching career and extensive experience

Pedro Emmanuel has a rich coaching record, having previously led several clubs in Saudi Arabia, most notably Al-Nassr, Al-Taawoun, Al-Ain, and Al-Fayha, in addition to experiences in the Portuguese league with Estoril, Arouca, and Académica.

Media reports also indicated that the Portuguese coach was among the candidates to coach Al-Ettifaq, before he decided to take on a new experience with Vasco da Gama.