Adelaide United FC’s naturalised Brazilian defender and crowd favourite Cassio is set to become one of the club’s longest serving players after he committed to the Reds for the next two years.
Adelaide United FC-s naturalised Brazilian defender and crowd favourite Cassio is set to become one of the club-s longest serving players after he committed to the Reds for the next two years.
Cassio and the club have agreed to terms on a new two year deal that will keep the pocket rocket in South Australia until the end of the Hyundai A-League 2014/15 Season.
Adelaide United Football Director Michael Petrillo said the club was pleased with the negotiations and is delighted to have secured a player who has become a key and identifiable figure with the Reds.
“It-s great that we have been able to conclude negotiations with Cassio quickly so he can now focus on the season ahead,” Petrillo said.
“I remember picking him up at the airport when he first arrived in Adelaide, and to see how he has settled and become such an integral part of our club over the years is extremely pleasing.”
“We look forward to more good times ahead and to Cassio becoming a one ‘A-League club- player with Adelaide United.”
Cassio expressed his appreciation at having the chance to settle down in Adelaide, a place he can now rightly call home.
“My heart is in Adelaide and with the fans. I am happy that my negotiations with the club have ended quickly and successfully,” Cassio said.
“I thank my family and my lawyer for their support over the past few weeks and I am grateful that the Board has continued to have faith in me and value my efforts.”
The two-time Reds Club Champion arrived in Adelaide from Brazil in June 2007 and has not looked back since.
Of the Reds- current squad, only captain Eugene Galekovic has played more games for the club, Cassio recently celebrating his 100th Hyundai A-League appearance.
Cassio quickly endeared himself to the Adelaide United faithful with his talent on the pitch together with a smile that one could see a mile away.
After he and his family officially became Australian citizens in September this year, Cassio had always signalled his intent to continue playing for the Reds and remain in Adelaide, and this latest deal now ensures that he will be around for awhile yet.
*Cassio will be available for interview after training tomorrow at approximately 11.40am*
CASSIO
Full Name Cassio Jose de Abreu Oliveira
Number 6
DOB 8 Jan 1980 (Rio de Janeiro, Brazil)
Age 32
Position Defender
Joined AUFC June, 2007
Additional Information
Total Adelaide United FC Appearances – 136 (11 goals)
Debut Hyundai A-League Appearance – 25 August 2007 v Brisbane Roar (D2-2), Suncorp Stadium
Debut Hyundai A-League Goal – 31 October 2008 v Melbourne Victory (L2-3), Hindmarsh Stadium
Adelaide United FC Club Champion 2007/08, 2010/11
Adelaide United Player-s Player 2007/08
