FC Goa midfielder Romeo Fernandes was one of the standout performers of the inaugural edition of the Hero Indian Super League (ISL). His stellar season caught the eye of Brazilian outfit Clube Atlético Paranaense, and Fernandes will be joining the Brazilian first-division club on a one-year loan deal, as announced today by his current club Dempo SC of the Hero I-League.“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 Atlético 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.Fernandes’ move comes after Atlético Paranaense signed an agreement with the All India Football Federation (AIFF) in late 2014 to cooperate in training Indian footballers. This partnership was made with a view to preparing India’s Under-17 national team ahead of the FIFA U-17 World Cup, which India will be hosting.Luiz Greco, the International Affairs Director of Atlético Paranaense, was full of praise for Fernandes and the young star’s performance in the ISL. “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 Clube Atlético Paranaense, he will have the best conditions for his development,” affirmed Greco.Goa co-owner and Dempo SC chairman Srinivas Dempo was delighted that one of India’s most highly-regarded young footballers is getting the chance to develop his skills in a country long admired for its beautiful football. “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 Atlético Paranaense embodies the best of Brazilian (and indeed, South American) football.”He went on to express his appreciation for the partnership between Atlético Paranaense and the AIFF. “It is wonderful that the club 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.”Fernandes himself was understandably excited about the opportunity to play in Brazil. “I feel extremely honoured to have received an offer from Atlético Paranaense which boasts of having one of the best facilities for player development in South America,” enthused the Goa star.The 22-year-old went on to express his gratitude for the mentors who have helped shape his footballing career, including Goa head coach Zico. “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,” Fernandes said.The ISL team wishes Romeo Fernandes the best in his Brazilian football journey.
