New Delhi, June 18 (IANS) After turning up for just 22 minutes for Brazilian football club Atletico Paranaense, midfielder Romeo Fernandes is on his way back to India and is looking forward to the second season of the Indian Super League (ISL).
Fernandes was a revelation for his franchise FC Goa in the inaugural edition of the tourney.
“I have requested Atletico Paranaense to release me from my loan stint as I would like to be in India to participate in the ISL 2015 for FC Goa,” Romeo was quoted as saying by goal.com on Thursday.
The Goan midfielder rarely got an opportunity in the first team at Atletico but he thanked the club for the facilities and care that was dished out to him by the South American team.
“I would like to thank Clube Atletico Paranaense for the unique opportunity on my football career, offering myself, high class facilities of accommodation, nutrition, training, Portuguese classes, introducing me to the Goan family who could help on the settlement in Curitiba,” he said.
“From day one, Clube Atletico Paranaense has been very hospitable and looked after me in the best possible way, more than I could have asked for.”
The 22-year-old also said playing in the ISL and not being able to break into Atletico’s first team on regular basis were the foremost reasons for his return.
“I have requested the club (to allow me) to return to India only because firstly, I would like to play for FC Goa in the ISL 2015 and secondly, I could not break into official matches on a regular basis,” he explained.
“At this stage of my career it is important for me to be playing, so I thought it is best to request a return to India. For now my next goal would be to concentrate on playing with FC Goa,” he reasoned.
India head coach Stephen Constantine did not pick Romeo for the national squad which faced Oman and Guam in the World Cup qualifiers on June 11 and 16.
Playing regularly for FC Goa would boost his chances of getting back into the fold for his country.
“Again, many thanks to Clube Atletico Paranaense for all the club has offered me,” Romeo concluded.