Brazilian forward Marcelinho Odisha FC for 1 year

Ahead of the seventh edition of the Hero Indian Super League, Odisha FC secured the services of seasoned Brazilian footballer Marcelo Leite Pereira a.k.a Marcelinho. Today the 33-year-old forward has signed a one-year contract with the side based in Bhubaneswar.

Marcelinho has an immense history of playing in different leagues around the world, including the ISL, with the potential to play as a forward or on the wings or as an attacking midfielder He was the Golden Boot winner with Delhi Dynamos in the 2016 season by scoring 10 goals in 15 appearances and also leading the team into the playoffs. Marcelinho then played three consecutive seasons for the FC Pune City and Hyderabad FC and has a total record of 31 goals and 18 assists so far in 63 ISL matches. The Rio de Janeiro-born playmaker has played football club for numerous other teams in the UAE, Greece, Spain , Italy and his home country Brazil, since beginning his professional career with Atletico Madrid B.

After signing, OFC President Rohan Sharma said, “It’s great to have Marcelinho back with us. Last time we were together, he set the league on fire with his skills and goals. Now he’s become the ISL ‘s third-highest goal scorer and I’m sure he’s going to bang some more this season. He’s still got a lot to offer with his vision and scoring, and we both want to bring the trophy to Odisha this season.”Welcoming Marcelinho to the Club, Head Coach Stuart Baxter said, “Marcelinho represents a good signing on all fronts, with good experience of Indian football and a record that is respected by many.Delighted Marcelinho said, “I’m very excited to take up this challenge. I really want to do well with my new team and new coach. I think we’ll have an awesome season ahead and I can’t wait.