I-LEAGUE Media Team

NEW DELHI: Indian starlet midfielder Romeo Fernandes is set to join Brazilian outfit Clube Atletico Paranaense on loan for a spell of one year, Dempo SC announced today.

“Dempo Sports Club would like to announce that we have reached an agreement for the loan transfer of Romeo Fernandes from the five time I-League winners, Dempo SC to Clube Atletico Paranaense on a 1-year-deal which will see one of Goa’s and India’s most promising young players ply his trade with the U-23 squad of the Brazilian titans which participates in the Parana state league,” the Club said in a statement.

Clube Atlético Paranaense and All India Football Federation signed a cooperation agreement in order to operate jointly in training athletes of Indian football. 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 U17 World Cup in 2017 will be held in the country.

Commenting on the deal to take Romeo to Curitiba, Luiz Greco, International Affairs Director of Clube Atlético Paranaense said, “Our scouting department followed the Indian Super League and, for sure, Romeo Fernandes was its most promising player. We believe in his potential, and coming to CAP, he will have the best conditions for his development.”

Regarding the same, Dempo SC Chairman, Mr. Srinivas Dempo stated, “I am greatly enthused by the valuable opportunity Romeo is gaining by the move to Brazil to be part of the iconic soccer powerhouse, Clube Atletico Paranaense. Brazil, for us in Goa, India, as for the rest of the world, is synonymous with inspiring football – skilful, spirited, successful, and Atletico Paranaense embodies the best of Brazilian (and indeed, South American) football.

“It is wonderful that the Clube is partnering the Indian federation in developing the game in our country while fostering an amazing diversity of football talent from across the world in Curitiba.”

When quizzed about how it feels to be moving to Brazil to further his game and career, the man of the hour Romeo had this to say, “I feel extremely honoured to have received an offer from CAP which boasts of having one of the best facilities for player development in South America. I would like to thank all my former and present coaches who have coached me and guided me to this stage.

“I am extremely grateful to our Chairman Mr. Shrinivas Dempo, my coach at Dempo, Arthur Papas, and my coach at FC Goa, Zico, for his support in making this deal happen.”