Mamelodi Sundowns star Lucas Ribeiro Costa has sent an emotional farewell message to the club and its fans, stating “I wish could’ve said goodbye in a better way”.
It now seems clear that the Brazilian will not play for the club again, having previously requested to terminate his contract.
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Ribeiro, 26, has been absent from Sundowns training and was linked with a move to Qatar SC, while Fluminense were also said to be after his services – however a deal never materialised.
Insiders told this publication that the Qatari side had sent Sundowns “a particularly generous transfer offer” for the Brazilian attacking midfielder, who wanted to join the Qatari club.
The player, together with his agency, have therefore decided to take the matter to the FIFA Tribunal, the Court of Arbitration for Sport, and possibly in any competent State Court – Ribeiro will be represented in this dispute by “Dupont-Hissel” law firm, the same firm who are currently handling the high-profile ‘Diarra Ruling’.
Sundowns had responded with their own statement, saying they are committed to the development and growth of all their players. However, Costa has now all but announced his exit from the club.
“From the very first day I arrived, I gave my all, on and off the field, to earn my place and proudly defend Mamelodi Sundowns,” he wrote on his social media accounts.
“These past two years have been incredible, full of emotions I have learned so much from this beautiful culture-not only to become a better player, but also a better human being.
“To my wonderful Masandawana supporters, first of all, thank you for everything. I want you to know that your support and love meant so much to me, and I will never forget you. I will always carry in my heart the memories of the emotions I lived, the goals, the assists, the trophies, and the magical nights with you that made me feel at home.
“I wish I could have said goodbye in a better way, but please know that my love for you is endless I am grateful to all the coaches who were part of this beautiful story – I will always appreciate each of you To my teammates, my second family, thank you for every battle, every title won, every smile, and every moment we shared together. You will always be my brothers, and I will miss you so much.
“Playing for Sundowns and living this beautiful culture has been such a great honor for me. I will truly miss it.
“Thank you South Africa. Thank you, Mamelodi Sundowns, for everything. With much love Ribeiro #10.”
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