Túlio de Melo focused on Lille stay

The 28-year-old striker has been linked with an exit in recent weeks as he has just one year remaining on his contract at Stade Pierre-Mauroy. However, De Melo insists he is happy and fully fit for another season with Lille, after suffering a string of injuries during his time at the club. “I begin my […]
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sambafoot_admin
2013-07-20 20:44:00

The 28-year-old striker has been linked with an exit in recent weeks as he has just one year remaining on his contract at Stade Pierre-Mauroy.

However, De Melo insists he is happy and fully fit for another season with Lille, after suffering a string of injuries during his time at the club.

“I begin my sixth season in Lille and I’m ready to go for another year, I feel good here,” he told Sambafoot.

“I know that the club does not oppose a departure if an interesting proposal were to happen. We know that many things can happen during a transfer window.

“I’ve had offers from several European clubs, including proposals from Turkey, but I did not want to respond to them.

“Today I am 100% with Lille and I train with the same enthusiasm as in previous seasons.”

René Girard was appointed Lille manager last month, after the departure of Rudi Garcia, and De Melo has revealed the new coach is backing him, despite only scoring one goal in 23 league appearances last term.

He added: “The new coach has been very ambitious, he is here to win titles. He expressed his full confidence in our group so it is positive.

“Personally, he said he will count on me so it’s always nice to feel supported.”

De Melo left Brazil in 2004 to join Danish side Aalborg BK on loan and admits he still follows the results of boyhood club Atlético Mineiro.

The forward hopes the club can claim this season’s Copa Libertadores trophy, despite their 2-0 first leg defeat to Olimpia on Wednesday, while praising star player Ronaldinho.

“I was trained by Atlético so I support them, especially as my father and my brother are true fans, so I’m always aware of their results,” he continued. “This is my club since I was little and I hope they win the Libertadores.

“I am not surprised by the level of Ronaldinho, I think he has regained his fitness in Brazil and being closer to his family has also helped.

“He still has a few seasons before him and today he continues to entertain all the Brazilian fans.”

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