I failed to play for Atletico Paranaense consistently: Romeo Fernandes

Panaji: Returning home after a brief stint at Atletico Paranaense, Dempo's striker Romeo Fernandes today said his decision was triggered by his failure to break into the Brazilian Club's playing XI and also the desire to play in the Indian Super League (ISL).

Romeo, who was fielded for just 22 minutes during his three-month stint in Brazil, was released by the Club in the last week of May.

He said that it was he who had asked the club to release him so that he could prepare for the Indian Super League (ISL), which begins its second edition in October, Romeo said in a press release.

"I have requested Atletico Paranaense to release me from my lone stint as I would like to be in India to participate in the ISL, 2015 for FC Goa," Romeo added.

"I would like to thank Clube Atletico Paransense for (giving) the unique opportunity in my football career, offering me high-class facility classes, introducing me to the Goan family who could help on my settlement in Curitiba," he said.

Romeo admitted that he could not break into the playing XI consistently, which also compelled him to make the decision to return home prematurely.

"From day one, Clube Atletico Paranaense has been very hospitable and looked after me in the best possible way more than I could have asked for.

"I have requested the club to return to India only because firstly, I would like to play for FC Goa in the Indian Super League 2015 and secondly I could not break into official matches on a regular basis," said the FC Goa striker who impressed Brazilian coach Zico.

"At this stage of my career it is important for me to be playing so I thought its best to request a return to India. For now my next goal would be to concentrate on laying with FC Goa," the release added.