He attained superstar status during his previous stint in Melbourne and after four years of absence, Brazilian midfielder Fred has returned, but this time he’ll be in Red and White.
By David Manuca
He attained superstar status during his previous stint in Melbourne and after four years of absence, Brazilian midfielder Fred has returned, but this time he’ll be in Red and White.
Yesterday Melbourne Heart FC announced the capture of former DC United and Philadelphia Union player, Fred, on a two-year deal, returning to the city where he claims his career really started
The 31-year-old is the latest of Heart head coach John van’t Schip’s signings for up-coming season 2011/12 Hyundai A-League season, along with Mate Dugandzic and Curtis Good, and will join the club next month when the International transfer window opens.
Fred yesterday claimed that family motives were a big factor in his decision to return to play football in Australia.
“My career really started to build in Australia so I decided to come back to Melbourne and play another season,” Fred said.
“I played four seasons here (the United States) but my family really love it in Melbourne.
“I had a lot of talks with my family about going back to Australia and having some fun again.”
Fred shot to fame in the Hyundai A-League 2006/07 season when he wowed the crowds and dazzled his opponents with his skill and flair as well as his brilliant touch and vision.
He is most remembered in Australia for his dominating performance in the 2006/07 Hyundai A-League Grand Final where he provided four assists in a 6-0 demolition of Adelaide United, before setting off to the United States to further his career at DC United in the Major Soccer League.
He played a total of 72 games for United, scoring an impressive eleven goals before being traded to the Philadelphia Union in 2010, where he made 25 appearances and scored four goals.
He returned to DC United after one season before deciding to once again ply his trade in an improved Hyundai A-League, this time for Melbourne Heart FC.
Fred will wear the No.5 jersey for the Heart next season and can’t wait to help his new side reach bigger things in the 2011/12 A-League season and beyond.
“I know about Alex Terra, the captain (Simon Colosimo) and goalkeeper (Clint Bolton) and some of the other players over there, and I look forward to building some good things with my new teammates next season.” he said.
His flair and excitement is sure to entertain the Red and White faithful in what is already shaping up to be a season to remember.
