PANJIM: Dempo Sports Club, five-time I-League champions, have reached an agreement for the loan transfer move of their striker Romeo Fernandes to Clube Atlético Paranaense on a one-year deal.
The move was announced at a special press conference, held in the city, on Monday.
The deal will provide an opportunity to one of Goa’s and India’s most promising young player to display his skills in the U-23 squad of the Brazilian titans, which participate in the Parana state league.
“Dreams do come true and I am very happy to be selected by the Brazilian club. I am very thankful to our Chairman Srinivas Dempo; FC Goa team, coaches and my parents,” said humble Romeo.
“I hope this will also open a window for the other Goan players to play in foreign countries. I have improved a lot under coach Zico which boosted my confidence and it was a wonderful experience to play along side star player like Robert Pires,” added the rising star.
“Commenting on the deal to take Romeo to Curitiba, Luiz Greco, International Affairs Director of Clube Atlético Paranaense informed, “Our scouting department followed the Indian Super League and for sure, Romeo was their most promising player. We believe in his potential, and coming to CAP, he will have the best conditions for his development.”
Dempo SC Chairman Srinivas Dempo stated, “I am greatly enthused by the valuable opportunity Romeo is gaining. Personally, it is a great moment for me as the role in developing football has come true. I remember our former coach Armando Colaco talk about Romeo and the promise he had. He has certainly nurtured under Armando, Zico and Arthur Papas.”
The AIFF vice-president went on to add that Romeo’s mother was taken first into confidence and then only the club progressed with the deal.
“Romeo is very courageous and has shown that every Goan can think big,” added Srinivas.
“Romeo’s welfare and football skills development was duly given importance before the deal was struck and I hope he improves himself. He has always impressed me with his talent. This loan move will be talked for years to come. I am confident Romeo will make a real goal for himself, his family and the people he represents,” said Dempo SC chief coach, Arthur Papas.
Romeo will be leaving in a couple of days to Brazil. Clube Atlético Paranaense had to meet with 14 parameters set by Dempo Sports Club which included accommodation, compensation, salary, inter-cultural issues and more. The player is already in from February 15 and will be on loan till June. Later, the Brazilian outfit have an option to extend the contract for another six months till December.
The transfer can be made permanent after December but Dempo will continue to hold the player’s substantial rights. The five-time I-League champions will be compensated if the move turns permanent and will also benefit if Clube Atlético Paranaense intent to sell the striker to another club.
Clube Atlético Paranaense (CAP) is the biggest football club of Paraná State, south of Brazil and has a rich tradition of developing and bringing up youth team players to their first team. It was founded on March 26th, 1924. Its stadium Arena da Baixada, was one of the host stadiums for the 2014 World Cup, in Curitiba.
Earlier, Clube Atlético Paranaense and All India Football Federation had signed a cooperation agreement in order to operate jointly in training the Indian players.
The main objectives are to share know-how, managerial and training processes, always guided by the principle of the transfer of football knowledge.
The agreement was intended as a preparation tool for the Under-17 National team since the 2017 U-17 World Cup will be held in the country.
The move was initially initiated by FC Goa head coach and Brazilian legend Zico during the Indian Super League.
