Dempo SC winger Romeo Fernandes has made a year-long loan move to Brazilian club Clube Atlético Paranaense. The Goan has represented FC Goa in last year’s ISL.
Addressing a press conference, Dempo's chairman Srinivas Dempo said:
"Today is a great moment for our club as one of our young player Romeo Fernandes is all set to join one of the Brazilian club Cube Atletico Paranaense(CAP) on loan.
"The contract is signed and he will be leaving for Brazil in a couple of days. I remember the moment when Romeo was first spotted by our then coach Armando Colaco and latter horned by Arthur Papas, and after his success for FC Goa in the ISL, coach Zico who saw lot of talent in him was responsible along with Beto in getting the Dempo lad to ply his trade in South America.
"At the club, Romeo will get a chance to train with the first team and also be given a salary equivalent to what their Under-23 players receive. He would also be assured of some playing time, unlike most of the Indian players who have left the country to play their trade abroad only to see themselves struggle for game time.
"During his stay in Brazil, the club will take care of his stay with the club during training period which ends December 15. If his service is accquired by the club after the end of the training, Romeo will get good salary and Dempo too will get substantial money which ever club takes his service," said Srinivas, the club chairman.
The 22 year old shone brightly for Zico’s boys and he carried on that form for his parent club Dempo SC. He has scored 4 goals in six apps for them in Federation Cup held earlier in the year. The Indian international was on radar of many foreign clubs mainly from Japan and Korea. But he chose Brazil over everything.
Last season was the breakthrough season for the young winger as he really took the centre stage. It remains to be seen whether Fernandes can establish himself abroad or follows many Indians like in the yesteryears who have failed to adapt in foreign leagues.
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