Brazilian midfielder Cassio has committed to Adelaide by re-signing with the club for the next two seasons.
Highly sought after by other Hyundai A-League clubs, the 28-year-old left-footer ended speculation about his immediate future, by putting pen to paper to keep him at the Reds until 2010.
“I’m very happy because I feel comfortable here, this is my second home and the fans like me and I like the fans,” Cassio said.
“Everything here for me is fantastic and I always try to do my best on the pitch and I think this is an important decision for me to stay here.”
Cassio admitted it was a tough condition with the offers he received from elsewhere, but said his commitment was to Adelaide.
“It’s hard for us because we are professional and we have to look out for our futures. I had some offers from other clubs here and overseas, some of them with better money but I want to stay here, I am clear with this decision and I feel happy with this decision,” Cassio said.
“The A-League clubs I spoke to here were very professional with their intention to want to sign me, and I just want to say they are very good people, but it was my decision to stay here.”
Cassio has been in outstanding form since returning from a knee injury midway through 2008, particularly in the AFC Champions League knockout stage where he was instrumental in giving the club a foot in the door towards a historic and unprecedented place in the prestigious final.
Since making his debut last season, Cassio has become a crowd favourite and was crowned Adelaide United’s 2007/08 Club Champion in his first season.
Coach Aurelio Vidmar was understandably delighted with the news.
“We’re really happy about Cassio signing on for another two years. He is an exceptional footballer and we’re really pleased to have him in our squad,” Vidmar said.
“When you’re out of contract it is always difficult to keep people, especially with the salary cap, but we are trying to make the club as strong as possible for the coming years, and he is certainly in the plans for that. He is going to continue to add value to our team so everyone at the club is extremely happy.”
