Odisha FC has signed veteran Brazilian centre-forward Jonathas Cristian de Jesus ahead of the Hero Indian Super League 2021-22 (Hero ISL 2021-22) season, which will be held in Goa.
Jonathas, 32, has competed in top-tier football divisions in several nations, including Brazil, the Netherlands, Spain, Italy, and Germany. After playing for their junior team, he began his professional career with Brazilian club Cruzeiro in 2006. Before joining AZ in 2009, he had also played on loan for Ipatinga and Villa Nova in Brazil.
The seasoned striker has appeared in Europe’s Serie A, La Liga, and Bundesliga for clubs such as Pescara, Torino, Elche, Real Sociedad, and Hannover 96, among others, and has scored over 100 goals in his career.
He was with the UAE Pro League team Sharjah FC before joining the Bhubaneswar-based side, and he played on loan for Hatta Club in 2021. Jonathas had previously represented Brazil at the Sendai Cup in 2008.
Jonathas de Jesus said after entering the OFC camp, “I am really eager for this new challenge in my career.” Odisha FC’s project had a significant influence on my selection. I’m highly motivated, and I’m excited to play in the ISL and help Odisha FC achieve greater success. Ama Game! Ama Team!
Jonathas has to be our goal scorer, according to Head Coach Kiko Ramirez. He will provide us with work on the pitch and make opposition defenders’ lives harder. Furthermore, he arrives at the club with a strong desire to make an immediate impression in the ISL. He has a lot of quality aside from his outstanding persona; he is good in the air and can create opportunities on his own.
Mr. Raj Athwal, President of Odisha FC, said of the latest international signing, “We are happy to have secured a player of Jonathas’ talent and experience.” He has played and scored in all of the biggest leagues across the world, including Serie A, La Liga, and the Bundesliga. Not only for Odisha Football Club but Indian football in general, Jonathas is a major signing.
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