ISL: Odisha FC secure signing of prolific Brazilian striker Marcelinho from Hyderabad FC

Odisha FC have officially roped in former Hyderabad FC captain and experienced Brazilian footballer Marcelo Leite Pereira (Marcelinho) ahead of seventh season of Hero Indian Super League set to be std in Goa later this year.  33-year-old striker has signed for Bhubaneswar outfit on a one-year contract. 

ISL 2020-21 | Odisha FC strike a one-year deal with former Golden Boot winner

Marcelinho has been one of most prolific strikers in ISL and is third on list of all-time leading scorers with 31 goals and 17 assists to his name. Brazilian is a popular name in Indian football and was Golden Boot winner in 2016 season with Delhi Dynamos, same franchise that has w shifted its base and is kwn as Odisha FC. 

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Marcelinho has extensive experience in Indian football and move will give Odhisha FC a huge boost ahead of ISL Season 7. Brazilian striker has previously plied his trade with Delhi Dynamos, Pune City FC and Hyderabad FC and kws demands of ISL. Marcelinho also brings in experience, having played in various leagues around world. Odisha FC's new signing began with reserve side of LaLiga's Atletico Madrid.and went on to play for various or teams in UAE, Greece, Brazil, Spain and Italy before moving to India. 

new entrants last year, Hyderabad FC finished bottom of league table and have decided that y want to rebuild from scratch, being very active in transfer market and deciding t to renew Marcelinho’s contract. Marcelinho was club captain for ir disappointing season and furr got into a rift with club over n-payment of dues and club decided that it wasn't going to continue with striker. 

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Speaking about signing, in an official statement Odisha FC President Mr Rohan Sharma exclaimed with joy and said: “Life can be strange and beautiful. After a long time, it’s great to have Marcelinho back with me. Last time we were toger, he set league ablaze with his skills and goals. w he has become third-highest goalscorer in ISL and I am sure he will bang some more in this season. He still has a lot to offer with his vision and scoring, and we both want to bring trophy to Odisha this season.”

As excited as Odisha FC President was Marcelinho himself. “I am very motivated for challenge. I really want to do well with my new team, new coach and wonderful fans of Odisha FC. I hope that we have an amazing season ahead and I can’t wait for this.” Also welcoming player to Odisha FC, Head Coach Stuart Baxter stated after move, “With good experience of Indian football and a record that is admired by many, Marcelinho represents a good signing on all fronts.”

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Coach Albert Roca quits Hyderabad FC to join Barcelona

Meanwhile, Hyderabad FC and head coach Albert Roca parted ways after agreeing on a mutual termination. Albert Roca leaves his role at ISL to join backroom staff of Barcelona and will serve as fitness coach for first team. Roca was previously with Barcelona under Frank Rijkaard from 2003-2008.

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Im Courtesy: ISL Twitter