Johor: Marcos Antonio’s fine displays for reigning AFC Cup champions Johor Darul Ta’zim have been rewarded after both parties agreed to extend his current deal on Wednesday.
Since joining Harimau Selatan midway through 2014, the Brazilian (pictured, number six) has established himself as a key player and has since helped the team to Malaysia Super League titles in the past two seasons, as well as last year’s remarkable AFC Cup triumph.
His partnership with Aidil Zafuan in the heart of defence has been a main reason behind JDT’s success, with the team conceding just 18 goals in 22 league matches in 2015, eight less than the next best team FELDA United.
And it has now emerged that Marcos Antonio will be gracing the Larkin Stadium for quite some time more after the club announced he had signed a contract extension, although the terms were not revealed and it is uncertain how long his new deal is for.
Still, it appears the Super League strikers could find themselves being marshalled by the 32-year-old until he decides to hang up his boots.
“The Southern Tigers’ robust centre-back expressed his intention to continue playing for the club under HRH Crown Prince of Johor until the end of the career,” the club announced on their official Facebook page.
Since beginning his journey as a footballer with Portuguese giants Porto, Marcos Antonio has enjoyed a storied career and previously played for Auxerre, PAOK, Rapid Bucharest and Nuremberg before moving to Malaysia two years ago.
Having won all their three games in the current AFC Cup Group Stage, JDT will continue their campaign to retain their title by meeting Lao Toyota FC next month in Vientiane.
Photo: Lagardère Sports
Source: the-afc.com