32-year-old Jonathas has played in various top-notch football leagues in many countries including Brazil, Netherlands, Spain, Italy and Germany.
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Odisha FC have announced the signing of experienced Brazilian centre-forward Jonathas Cristian de Jesus ahead of the upcoming Indian Super League (ISL) 2021-22 scheduled to be played in Goa. 32-year-old Jonathas has played in various top-notch football leagues in many countries including Brazil, Netherlands, Spain, Italy and Germany. He started his professional career with Brazilian club Cruzeiro in 2006 after playing for their youth team. Jonathas had also represented Ipatinga and Villa Nova on loan in Brazil before signing for Dutch club AZ in 2009.
The experienced striker has played in the Serie A, La Liga and Bundesliga in Europe. Jonathas represented clubs like Pescara, Torino, Elche, Real Sociedad, Hannover 96 among others and has more than 100 career goals to his name. Before joining the Bhubaneswar-based side, he was with UAE Pro League club Sharjah FC and played for Hatta Club on loan in 2021. Jonathas had also donned the Brazil U-19 colours during Sendai Cup in 2008.
“I am very excited for this new challenge in my career. The project that Odisha FC showed me had a big impact on my decision. I am very motivated and I am looking forward to play in the ISL and achieve greater things with Odisha FC. Ama Team Ama Game!,” he said after joining the OFC camp.
Head Coach Kiko Ramirez termed Jonathas as a player who comes with a lot of hunger and motivation.
“Jonathas has to be our goal scorer. He will give us work inside the pitch and he will make it very difficult for opposing defenders. In addition, he comes to the club with a lot of hunger and motivation to make a big impact in the ISL. Apart from his great character, he has a lot of quality, he is good in the air and he can create chances on his own,” he said.
Odisha FC Club President Raj Athwal believes that Jonathas’ record speaks for itself.
“We are thrilled to have signed a player of Jonathas’ quality and experience. His record speaks for itself, having played and scored in all the top leagues worldwide including Serie A, La Liga and the Bundesliga. Jonathas is a huge signing not only for Odisha Football Club but Indian football in general,” he stated.
Jamshedpur FC have signed current Indian International Pronay Halder on loan from ATK Mohun Bagan. The club has continued its endeavour to build a formidable squad for ISL 2021-22 season. It’s a homecoming of sorts for Pronay as he returns to the city where he made his start as a football player with Tata Football Academy. The footballer has already set his sights on winning the ISL.
“Jamshedpur nurtured my dream of growing to be a professional footballer. Now, I hope to give back and help the city to scale newer heights and bring silverware. I would like to thank the head coach and the management for putting their trust in me and would not leave any chance to repay the faith of them as well as the fans,” said Halder as quoted by the club’s official website.
“All clubs begin the season with the aim to win the Indian Super League and we are no different. Primarily, we would like to seal the top-four position and thereafter, we would plan for the knockout stage,” he added.
