The opportunity to win trophies was the driving force behind Jamal Lewis' shock decision to swap the Premier League for Brazil. 

The Norwich City academy graduate has become the first British player in history to join Brazilian side Sao Paulo after he completed an initial loan move with the option to buy from Newcastle United. 

Lewis, 26, flew to Sao Paulo to complete the formalities of his move before being officially unveiled on Tuesday morning. 

The move has made many scratch their heads, but Lewis has explained why the decision to move to Sao Paulo was a no-brainer. 

“When I heard about this opportunity, I immediately told my agent that I wanted to come to Brazil. It’s an honour to play for a giant like Sao Paulo and to be the first British player in the club’s history.

"I’m really excited to play for a club that has won three Copa Libertadores. It’s an opportunity I couldn’t pass up,” said Lewis.

"I'm super excited to meet all the Sao Paulo fans. I've seen some games, and I can't wait to step out on that pitch, so that's the most important thing for me. 

"The Premier League is intense, tough and has a lot of quality, so hopefully, I can bring all of that with my athleticism. I love to run down the wing and the left side of the pitch, defend, attack, help score goals, and help assist. Hopefully, I can contribute to Sao Paulo."

Lewis left Norwich in 2020 to join Newcastle in a £15m deal but has only played 36 times for the Magpies. His last appearance for Eddie Howe's side came in January 2023 before spending the entirety of last season on loan at Watford. 

The move to Brazil has been met with shock from inside the English game, but Sao Paulo sporting director Carlos Belmonte has explained why they opted to swoop for the former City full back. 

“We used the creativity and assessments of our analysis team to come up with the name of Jamal Lewis, a full-back with the characteristics we were looking for," Belmonte told the famous Brazilian club's official channels. "He is a young player with experience in English football, which certainly gives him important experience.

"He is another player who will strengthen our group in the three competitions we are competing in."

Lewis will link up with Sao Paulo formally after representing Northern Ireland in the Nations League against Bulgaria and Luxembourg.