In midweek, Gustavo Scarpa bid an emotional farewell to the Palmeiras home support ahead of his January move to Nottingham Forest, bowing out with a well-taken penalty before departing to a standing ovation.
Sao Paulo defender Luizao is unlikely to receive the same sort of gratitude from the travelling fans during Sunday’s trip to Goias. Scarpa claimed eight trophies in just five years at Palmeiras, contributing 13 goals and 17 assists en route to another league title this season.
Luizao, meanwhile, departs under a cloud following a grand total of 20 first team appearances for Sao Paulo. Much to the frustration of head coach Rogerio Ceni, the highly-rated centre-half is leaving the Morumbi with his potential very much untapped; Sao Paulo having tried but ultimately failed to extend a contract which expires in the New Year.
Luizao will sign a pre-contract agreement with West Ham United in the coming days; David Moyes’ side having fought off competition from London neighbours Fulham.
West Ham United are signing Sao Paulo defender Luizao
“There must be players who leave. Probably six, seven, or eight players will leave. Luizao is very likely to leave,” Ceni sighs. “Not that the club wants it, but (he will leave) because of the player’s desire.
“The contract is expiring in January. We will have some departures and changes. It’s part of (football). It’s a painful process.”
As reporter Andre Hernan explains, this is not the way Luizao wanted to bow out at Sao Paulo. He was subbed at half-time during his last home appearance for the Tricolor during a 1-0 defeat to Internacional. And, after starting just one of the last three matches, it would not be a surprise if he didn’t even get on the pitch during the final game of the season away at Goias this weekend.
“Luizao will sign a pre-contract with West Ham in England,” Hernan says. “He will be a West Ham player in the next few days. It was not the way Luizao himself wanted it to happen.
“Sao Paulo tried to renew Luizao’s contract but ended up not getting (the agreement done). Luizao will now fulfil the dream of playing in European football.”
The next time Luizao steps onto the pitch in a competitive fixture, whenever that may be, expect to see him wearing claret and blue.
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