Sligo Rovers make 'big statement' with signing of Brazilian midfielder Eduardo Pincelli

Sligo Rovers manager Gerard Lyttle described as a 'big statement' the club's capture of Brazilian midfielder Eduardo Pincelli ahead of the 2018 Premier Division season.

The 34-year-old arrives at the Showgrounds following a nine-year stint in Cyprus where he's played in the top tier for the likes of Aris Limassol and, most recently, Ehtnikos Achna.

Pincelli, who was a team-mate of the World Cup winner Romaria at Fluminense in his native Brazil, was recommended to the club by former Sligo striker Vinny Faherty, who now plays in Cyprus.

Following a period training with the Bit o' Red, and playing in a friendly against Linfield that saw his score an audacious long-range chip, he signed on the dotted line with his new club.

“I made a life choice firstly to come to Ireland,” Pincelli told the club's official website.

“Everything I was told about Sligo by my friend Vinny was good, from the club to the place. I see now what he means.

“Everyone has been so good, they have made me very welcome and the players and coach are very nice people. The coach gives very good training sessions.

“This is a big change for me in my life to move to Sligo. I used to say that I’m a dreamer. I know Sligo did not do too well last year.

“But they survived and that is all that matters. And I’m still a dreamer. So my expectation is to be the best you can.”

“I am happy to be here. I bring with me my mentality for victory. That is what I want to bring to Sligo Rovers.”

Lyttle added: “Vinny got in touch to let us know about Eduardo and his possible availability.

“Prior to that it was just a conversation where he had asked Eduardo would he ever consider a move to Ireland.

“Vinny said he could be available in the summer and he told Eduardo about the club and life here.

“We watched Eduardo, did research, and his technical ability is awesome. I also checked it out with a contact of mine in Cyprus and he said he would probably be out of reach for Sligo Rovers.

“But we pursued it and I built up a relationship with him over a couple of weeks. Eventually he asked his club could he move on in this window and the deal was pretty much agreed before he came here.

“He can play anywhere in midfield and I see him fitting into the middle of the park as an eight or a six.

“He doesn’t train like a 34-year-old or play like one. He is in great condition and we’re excited we have him here.

“This is a big statement for us that we can attract a player of his calibre. He still has that mentality where he wants to win.

“He’s a family-type man which is something I really like. It’s another player I think our supporters will really look forward to seeing play for Rovers.”