Junior takes Kärnten chance
Saturday, June 7, 2003
Article summary
Brazilian midfielder Carlos de Jesus 'Junior' has joined Austrian UEFA Cup contenders FC Kärnten.
Article body
Two-year contract
Junior has signed a two-year contract with Kärnten, who earned a place in the UEFA Cup qualifying round by reaching the Austrian Cup final, where they lost to UEFA Champions League-bound FK Austria Wien.
Champions League experience
The 25-year-old began his career in his native land with Sampaio Correa FC Sao Luis and FC Boom, before moving to Europe with Belgian side KSC Eendracht Aalst. He then joined Germans FC Kaiserslautern, gaining Champions League experience in 1999/00, and in 2001 went to Nürnberg, opting to leave this summer on a free transfer as they lost their 1. Bundesliga status.
Junior's promise
Explaining his choice of club, Junior said: "Getting the chance to play in the UEFA Cup really made the difference compared to the other offers I received and I promise to do my best to help the team."
'An excellent technician'
Kärnten coach Hannes Haubitz, who is planning to field Junior on the right wing, said: "He is an excellent technician and given his qualities, he should be able to help us raise our game to a new level."
Atalay stays, Stary goes
Haubitz, whose side finished eighth in the league, also confirmed that Faruk Atalay had agreed to stay for another two seasons, but that veteran midfield player Roman Stary had been released after three years at the club.
