Alan Ruschel, one of the six survivors of the Capecoense air crash, broke down as he spoke about the last-minute seat switch which saved his life.
Defender Alan was originally sat near the back of the plane when he was asked to move by the club director Cadu Gaucho.
The 27-year-old gave his first heartbreaking interview to the press yesterday, telling reporters: "Cadu Gaucho asked me to sit further forward and let the journalists sit together at the back.
Credit: Instagram/alanruschel
"I didn't want to but then I saw Jackson Follman and he insisted that I sit beside him. Only God can explain why I survived the accident. He grabbed me and gave me a second chance."
71 people died in the crash, including almost all of the team, staff, directors and a number of journalists.
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One of the other survivors, goalkeeper Jackson Follaman, had to have his leg amputated.
Alan added: "When they told me what happened it seemed like a dream, a nightmare. Little by little they've been telling me what happened and I'm starting to understand.
"As a lesson, this tragedy teaches that you have to keeping living. Take advantage of some things and do good for others. When I got here today I had the sensation that I was coming home. I promise to give lots more happiness to this team. With a lot of effort and hard work I am going to be back playing again soon."
Since the crash he has vowed to visit the families of everyone who died in the crash.
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Featured image credit: YouTube/Botingol TV
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