Did you Atletico Paranaense is almost a century old? Or that they partnered with AIFF? Or that the Indian International Romeo Fernandes donned the Red and Black colours? Intrigued? Lets dig deeper. Did you know…
1. That the club was formed 91 years ago?
The club was formed on 26th May 1924 as a result of a merger between two sides, Internacional-PR and América-PR. They played their first match just 2 weeks later when they beat Universal FC 4 – 2.
They began with a win!
2. That they had a partnership with AIFF?
The Brazilian club had signed a partnership deal with the subcontinent’s governing body of football, The AIFF. The deal took place in order to develop their youth side for the 2017 U-17 World Cup. The tournament is scheduled to take place in India in the last quarter of the year.
Unique! Isn’t it?
3. That they hold a unique record
Romeo Fernandes, an Indian player became the first professional player to play for the senior side in any South American league when he played for Paranaense. The Indian replaced Rafiha in the 67th minute of a Campeonato Paranaense cup match against Nacional PR. The match ended 5 – 1 in the favour of Paranaense.
They seem to have a knack for achieving unique records… Don’t they?
4. That they have one of the best stadiums in Brazil
Arena da Baixada – Has been Paranaense’s stadium since their inception. The stadium is known to be the first stadium in Latin America which possessed a Retractable Roof. The stadium was expanded and renovated prior to the World Cup 2014 as matches were scheduled to be played in Arena da Baixada.
Yes! You’re right… A good stadium for a good club!
5. That they have won quite the silverware
The Brazilian side has come first and second in the Série A and Série B one time each. They have won the Copa Paraná 2 times. They have also won the Campeonato Paranaense 18 times and finished as runners up in the 2005 edition of the Copa Libertadores.
Yes! They have a good history!
6. That Paulo Baier is a legend for the club
The 41 year old Brazilian played for Atletico Paranaense from 2009 to 2013. He managed to find the back of the net on 41 occasions while making 140 appearances. The attacking midfielder who is currently playing at Juventude managed to keep an impressive 0.3 goals-to-game ratio while he was at Paranaense!
Something very unique for a Attacking Midfielder! Isn’t it?
7. That they have a good youth system
The Club’s youth setup is one which has produced many gems over the years. Last season, Chelsea signed their youth product Nathan Allan de Souza a.k.a Nathan for 4.5 Million Pounds. The club has won 12 international tournaments and finished 2nd in 1 between the years of 2012 and 2014.
Impressive stuff!
The first game of the Brazilian Championship finals between Paranaense and Caetano was special as it was the match that had record attendance of over 31,700 spectators. The match that ended 4 – 2 in the favour of the Paraná based side. The highest ever recorded attendance of the stadium was seen on the 23rd of June, 2014 for a World Cup match held between Australia and Spain, that match saw 39,375 spectators.
That's a lot of Spectators!
9. That Colombians have been most successful foreigner players for the club
11 Colombian players have played for the side in the recent times making a total of 215 appearances and scoring 11 goals in the process. Midfielder Edwin Valencia has made the maximum appearances, donning the jersey of the club on 90 occasions where as midfielder David Ferreira has scored 9 of the total 11 goals scored by Colombian internationals
South American football players FTW!
10. 28 year old Goalkeeper is a key figure.
Goalkeeper Wéverton who has been with the club since 2012 has made the maximum appearances for the club in the current squad representing the club on 134 occasions in just 4 years with the Brazilian side. He had been given the captain’s armband in October 2014 and renewed his contract with the side which binds him to the club till 2017.
Impressive! Talk about a legend in the making!
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