Julio Romão, the former Athletico midfielder, has officially signed with Hungarian champions Ferencvaros, marking the next step of his professional football career. The deal was confirmed on Wednesday, October 5, 2023, where Romão enters this new chapter with ambitions of success on the European stage.
After leaving Qarabag, Azerbaijan's premier club, Romão is set to play under the bright lights of Hungarian football. His contract with Ferencvaros is set through to mid-2029, giving the Brazilian midfielder ample time to make his mark. Ferencvaros competes vigorously across three competitions this season: the UEFA Europa League, the Hungarian Championship, and the Hungarian Cup.
During his productive stint at Qarabag, which began mid-2022 and was slated to run until early 2025, Romão made significant contributions. He participated in 120 matches, netting two goals and playing a pivotal role as Qarabag secured the Azerbaijani league title twice and won the national cup once. His overall performance earned him accolades and established him as a valued player within the team.
Romão expressed excitement about this move, stating, "Esse novo desafio é importante para minha carreira. Acredito que dei um bom passo vindo para cá. Espero poder ajudar a equipe da melhor maneira possível dando o melhor de mim todos os dias." This translates to, "This new challenge is important for my career. I believe I've taken a good step coming here. I hope to help the team in the best way possible by giving my best every day." His words reflect his dedication to making significant contributions to his new club.
Romão has previously played for several clubs in Brazil, including Goiás, Athletico, and Ponte Preta, between 2014 and 2019. His talent and promising performances caught the attention of European leagues, leading him to join Santa Clara in Portugal for two seasons before his tenure at Qarabag. With this diverse experience, Romão brings both skill and resilience to his new team.
Looking forward, Romão will be joined at Ferencvaros by fellow Brazilian talents, including defender Raul Gustavo, formerly of Corinthians, and forward Matheus Saldanha, previously of Bahia. The club's potential to perform well across multiple tournaments presents Romão with the opportunity not only to gain valuable experience but also to showcase his talents on larger European platforms.
Reflecting on his time at Qarabag, Romão noted, "Avalio a minha passagem pelo Qarabag como uma passagem de sucesso. Pude ajudar a equipe com títulos, conquistando os objetivos traçados." This translates as, "I evaluate my time at Qarabag as a success. I was able to help the team with titles, achieving the set goals." His confidence resonates as he embarks on this new venture with Ferencvaros.
Julio Romão's transition to Ferencvaros signifies more than just another contract; it's the continuation of his career's evolution and his striving for excellence within the competitive atmosphere of European football. Fans of both Romão and Ferencvaros will be watching closely as he aims to play his part and support his team's ambitions this season.