Dempo's Romeo Fernandes returns home from his loan spell at Atletico Paranaense to play in the ISL

Fernandes while in Brazil

Romeo Fernandes has returned from his loan spell at Atletico Paranaense as he wants to impress in the second edition of the Indian Super League (ISL). Fernandes began the 2014-15 season at Dempo after a stellar ISL campaign in which he scored 3 goals in the 11 matches.

FC Goa coach and Brazillian legend, Zico, was instrumental in Fernandes’ move to the Brazillian club, recommending the youngster to the 2001 league champions. A loan was agreed with the option of making the move permanent. He made one appearance for the Campeonato Brasileiro Série A club coming on as a substitute in the 69th minute in a 4-0 win over Nacional PR. The appearance made him the first Indian to play professionally in the Brazillian league.

Atletico Paranaense to keep on investing in Indian talent

In a statement issued by Atletico Paranaense, they announced that they were releasing the youngster so that he could participate in the 2015 ISL.

“After the loan period, Atletico Paranaense released the athlete Romeo Fernandes to defend the FC Goa in Indian Super League in 2015. The presence of Romeo in 2015 ISL will also allow the player greater exposure targeting India Selection of calls for the matches of the 11th and 16th of June, the qualifiers of the World Cup 2018.”

The Brazilian club also thanked Fernandez for his service to the club and hoped to continue their project in India.

“Atletico Paranaense Club thanks the period in which Romeo Fernandes was in the service of Flamengo and informs that will continue with the project focused on the Indian market.”

Fernades will also look to make his return to the National squad

On his return to his parent club, Fernandes has also made himself available for selection to the Indian team. After the 22-year-old moved to Brazil, he was dropped from the national team by coach Stephen Constantine. Constantine was worried about Fernandes’ playing time in Brazil stating, “Romeo has just played 18 minutes during his four-month stint in Brazil. How can one expect to play for the national team after just playing 18 minutes?”