United legend Cassio exits SA to give his son a fair shot of becoming a professional
Adelaide United and Flamengo legend Cassio has left South Australia in search of a dream career for his son Bernardo Oliveira.
Football
Don't miss out on the headlines from Football. Followed categories will be added to My News.
HE was born in Rio, touted as the best 15-year-old in Australia, is wanted by a Bundesliga giant, signed a three-year deal with Melbourne City and now his SA-based family have packed up and moved east except for dad.
For now.
Bernardo Oliveira, the son of Adelaide United and Flamengo legend Cassio, joins an exodus of young South Australians that have recently signed for Melbourne City and Melbourne Victory.
Stream over 50 sports Live & On-Demand with KAYO SPORTS on your TV, computer, mobile or tablet. Just $25/month, no lock-in contract. Get your 14-day free trial and start streaming instantly >
Australian under 17 international Bernardo signed a three-year scholarship deal with City after a Bundesliga club sought to snare the playmaker.
“I am so grateful that my parents are allowing me to follow my dream,’’ said the former Pirates, Adelaide Olympic and SA NTC junior.
“I really want to do my best and listen to my coaches and parents for guidance.
“My dad told me how hard it is, I have to dedicate my best.”
Bernardo became a focus of the richest club in Australia after winning the under 14 player of the tournament at the state national soccer championships last year.
Cassio quit his first job as senior coach at White City where he was also the club’s junior director.
MORE NEWS
That night against Uruguay: 14 years on
Found: SA soccer’s lost wartime tribute
Marquees hoopla isn’t the answer for A-League
Pre-season for his first team was scheduled to start on Sunday.
“It was heartbreaking for me, last week I had a meeting with the boys to let them know but they understand,’’ Cassio said.
“I’m happy I’m leaving White City’s juniors in a great situation.
“We leave here with 200 children playing, all the teams are full, before it wasn’t like that.
“We have the best three teams for their ages in the state which I’m proud of.”
Juliana also walked away from her TAFE SA gig where she worked as for international admissions.
“We actually flew there to Melbourne a month ago, they sent us airline tickets, we spent a day there to get to know the club, to get to know the people, the structure and the facilities and I was very impressed,’’ Cassio said.
“They have facilities like a European club.
“I have been in Adelaide more than 12 years, this is home, but we have to give him this opportunity, I don’t want us to regret anything.”
With Bernardo also attending Parade College in Melbourne as part of the scholarship deal – he’s a Year 10 student – Cassio found work and hopes his successful ‘Academia de Futebol by Cassio’ can also continue in his absence.
“I ended up getting a job with Melbourne City in the academy system starting in January,’’ he said.
“Juliana has to look for a new job but we’re always willing to take risks to help the future of our children.
“We’re always thankful for Adelaide, the people here are great.
“Our second son Henrique is trying out for the Melbourne City under 13s which is a good sign.
“Our little one Marina, we’re looking for child care.
“We’re always looking up, thanking God for looking after us and the family.”
tion(d,s,id){var js,fjs=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0];if(!d.getElementById(id)){js=d.createElement(s);js.id=id;js.src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js";fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js,fjs);}}(document,"script","twitter-wjs");