Bitter Romeo cuts short his Brazilian adventure

MUMBAI: Clube Atletico Paranaense have started their search for another Indian player after Romeo Fernandes packed his bags and returned home earlier than expected.
The Brazilian club had spotted the FC Goa midfielder during the Indian Super League (ISL) and entered into negotiations with his parent club, Dempo Sports Club, for a loan agreement that was to continue till June 30.
But not everything went according to plan and the club is now forced to release the midfielder.
"At the end of the loan period, Atletico Paranaense has released Romeo Fernandes to participate in the Indian Super League (ISL) with FC Goa," the club said on its website on Tuesday.
Romeo had arrived in Goa last week - much against the club's wishes - ostensibly to attend his sister's wedding on May 23. The Dempo midfielder was frustrated at the lack of opportunities in Brazil after being picked for just one game, and that too as a substitute for the last 24 minutes in the club's final state league game.
"As you know, I am not training with the first team any more and my national team chances have been severely hampered as I have had no competitive football other than a short time in one match here. I understand that this is completely based on my own performance but at this time, it is not ideal for me," Romeo said in one of his communication with the club before returning home.
Romeo also made a mention of his sparkling form in the Federation Cup early this year when Dempo made it to the final and he was named player of the tournament ahead of Sunil Chhetri.
The club, on its part, tried to make Romeo see reason. Not everyone who goes to Brazil can make the leap to the Brazilian championship and the gulf in difference was always visible. According to reports, Atletico Paranaense had even tracked a Goan family in Curtiba - where the club is based - to make the Goan feel at home.
The recent development will be music to the ears of national coach Stephen Constantine, who was scathing in his criticism of the move.
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