South Americans bound for Saturn
Wednesday, January 15, 2003
Article summary
FC Saturn Moskovskaya Oblast have signed two South American players for the 2003 season.
Article body
FC Saturn Moskovskaya Oblast have signed two South American players for the 2003 season.
High hopes
The Russian team have agreed deals for Brazilian forward Cleonesio Carlos da Silva from Coritiba FC and Argentinan midfield player Nicolas Pavlovic from Racing Club Avellaneda. Saturn are hoping to improve on their seventh-placed finish in last season's standings, and have a new coach in the form of Vitali Shevchenko.
Portuguese interest
The 26-year-old Cleonesio played for Portuguesa, Cruzeiro EC and Goiás EC before joining Coritiba. He has agreed a three-year contract with Saturn, despite reported interest from SL Benfica in Portugal.
Sad to leave
Pavlovic, who has also agreed a three-year contract, is highly regarded in Argentinian football. The 24-year-old, who has also played for CA Newell's Old Boys, scored four goals in 16 matches in the autumn part of the 2002/03 Argentinian season. "I feel sad to leave Racing at this moment, before a great season where we would play in the Copa Libertadores - but this offer was good for everybody," he said. "I expect to return here in the future."
