Fifa World Cup: All Whites defender Tim Payne confirms move to Paraguayan side Club Olimpia

Club Olimpia have won a record 48 Paraguayan top-flight titles, including this year’s recently completed Copa de Primera Apertura crown.

“This wasn’t an easy decision. Seven years at Wellington Phoenix. 149 games. To the fans, my teammates, and all those who have supported me throughout my career, the highs and the lows, thank you. Without you I would not be here representing my country at the World Cup – the very pinnacle of the sport,” Payne posted on Instagram.

“I’ve always pushed myself to be the best footballer I can be. To test myself at the very top of South American football, the Copa Libertadores and the Copa Sudamericana, is one of the most incredible opportunities I could have asked for as a professional. Club Olimpia is one of the biggest clubs in South America, with an incredible history, passionate supporters and ambitions that match its stature. I am looking forward to rising to that challenge. Estoy listo.

“For our family, this is something really special. For my son, Brooklyn, growing up speaking Spanish like his mum did, immersing ourselves in my partner’s culture and her family’s world, that’s what makes this so much more than just a football move. Opportunities like this don’t come around often, and we’re not taking it for granted. And to the whole LATAM community, especially @elscarso, who’ve been part of this incredible journey, muchas gracias, this one’s for you too.

“I’m grateful for the opportunities football has given me and I’m excited for what’s ahead, but right now my focus is on representing my country at the World Cup. Now … back to work."

Two days ago Olimpia gave a clue by tweeting a strong arm emoji next to the New Zealand flag.

Payne played in the All Whites’ 2-2 draw with Iran in their World Cup opener in Los Angeles and only spoke with New Zealand media after the game, where he discussed his rise in fame.

“All the support’s been overwhelmingly positive, which is a beautiful thing,” Payne said.

“Life obviously for me at the moment doesn’t change who I am. I’m just trying to focus on my football here with the All Whites and New Zealand Football and trying to put my best foot forward in terms of performance.”

Payne said he has enlisted the help of a community manager, something he never knew existed, to help him deal with the rise in social media popularity.

“It’s probably come at the right time in terms of I’m now 32 years old. I think I’ve matured a lot over the years, so I think I have the capabilities to deal with something like this,” Payne said.

“I’ve obviously got people now in place that are helping me out and helping me navigate it. It’s a very new world to me. So I’m very much learning, processing it all and trying to make the right decisions based off it.”

Payne might not be the only New Zealander who could make a high-profile move off the back of the World Cup.

Elijah Just, who scored both goals in the draw with Iran, has been linked with a move from Motherwell to fellow Scottish clubs Celtic and Rangers.

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