Indian Super League's Kerala Blasters have confirmed the signing of Brazilian defender Jairo Rodrigues on a one-year deal from Japanese club Montedio Yamagata.
The 26-year-old is the second foreign defender signed by the Blasters in this transfer window. The Kochi-based club had earlier signed Gianni Zuiverloon from Delhi Dynamos.
Rodrigues began his professional career with América Futebol Clube in Brazil in 2011 after spending his developmental phase with Goiás Esporte Clube and Brazilian giants Santos. He then moved to Bulgaria's first league club Botev Vratsa.
In 2015, Rodrigues moved top Portugal's CD Trofense and featured in over 25 games in defence. He then joined Azerbaijani Premier League club Neftçi PFK, staying there for two years. Rodrigues had stints with Japanese club Montedio Yamagata, Iranian outfit Sepahan S.C. and Indonesian top-flight unit Persela Lamongan before being signed by Kerala Blasters.
“I am very excited to be a part of Kerala Blasters FC, a club that is known for its fan following since the beginning of the ISL,” said Rodrigues after completing the transfer.
“I aim to train hard with my teammates during the pre-season to help build a strong, competitive and compact defence line to achieve the best results and have a wonderful season ahead. Hence, I’m eagerly looking forward to start my sessions with the club and will give my best on the ground,” he added.
Kerala head coach Eelco Schattorie said Rodrigues will be a “rock-solid Brazilian wall” in the defence. “He (Rodrigues) is strong, fast and also has outstanding attacking qualities. Moreover, he is never afraid to push the ball into the mid-field, which is a very positive approach towards the game and will also give substantial support to the entire team. I’m delighted to have him on-board.”
