MARGAO
Dempo Sports Club had a prayer service at the club house on Tuesday, to mark the 19th death anniversary of Cristiano Junior.
Dempo Sports Club’s Brazilian footballer Cristiano died during the final of the Federation Cup in Bangalore’s Sree Kanteerava Stadium on December 5, 2004 before winning the trophy for his team. Dempo had beaten Mohan Bagan 2-0, both goals scored by Junior. A few seconds after he scored the second goal in the 78th minute that he collapsed after a collision with the Bagan keeper Subrata Paul.
“He was devoted to his game, his wife and family, where Junior would feel at home,” said Samir Naik who played along with him in the ill-fated final. Junior loved to go to churches and spend time at home.”
"The move to Dempo was promoted by the Portuguese influence in Goa where Junior would feel at home. He wasn’t very fluent in English but then language of football transcends all barriers,” said coach Sameer Naik.
As a part of preparation for the I- League 3 play-off, Dempo Sports Club defeated FC Goa 2-0 at Salvador do Mundo panchayat ground on Tuesday. Vasim Inamdar scored a brace.
Dempo head coach Samir Naik dedicated the win to Cristiano.
