Dempo agree loan deal for Romeo Fernandes with Brazil's Atletico Paranaense

Romeo Fernandes broke through to the international stage with his fine showing in the Indian Super League

Dempo have announced the loan deal of star winger Romeo Fernandes to Brazilian club Atletico Paranaense for the duration of one year, with the Brazilian club having the option to make the deal permanent. The deal has been signed and the right-sided midfield prodigy will soon be leaving for Brazilian shores, the Goan club announced on Monday.

Romeo, one of India’s most promising footballers, will ply his trade with the Under-23 squad of the Brazilian titans which participates in the Parana State League.

The 22-year-old impressed in ISL 2014 for FC Goa, earning three man-of-the-match awards and special notice of coach Zico and marquee player Robert Pires.

Dempo SC chairman, 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.”

Clube Atlético Paranaense (CAP) is the biggest football club of Paraná State, South of Brazil and has a rich tradition of developing and bringing through youth team players to their first team. It was founded on March 26, 1924. Its stadium Arena da Baixada, was one of the host stadiums for the 2014 FIFA World Cup, in Curitiba, Brazil.

Romeo was spotted by Colaco: Dempo chairman

The Dempo chairman said, “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,"

Romeo most promising player of ISL: Atletico Paranaense

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.”

Dempo's coach Arthur Papas said: "The first goan player to go to Brazil is something special in Indian football and I wish him all the best and come back as a better footballer."

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.”