Author: Vishwajit Sawant
In a moment of celebration for Fluminense fans, experienced defender Felipe Melo put pen to paper, signing a contract extension with the club for another year. The 40-year-old veteran player, one of the team’s main leaders, expressed his joy and gratitude in an interview after the announcement.
Melo, known for his prowess on the pitch and leadership qualities, emphasized the importance of setting an example on and off the pitch, especially when representing a prestigious club like Fluminense. He credited his contract renewal to the hard work and dedication he has always shown during his time with the team.
The defender also expressed his deep gratitude to club president Paulo Angioni, the coaching staff, his fellow players and his teammates for their support and trust. The defender described the occasion as a special and joyful day for him, who continues to value his association with Fluminense.
Felipe Melo’s previous contract was due to expire at the end of 2023, giving him the option of signing a pre-contract with another club. However, he and goalkeeper Fábio decided to remain loyal to Fluminense and extend their commitments with the team.
In his time at Fluminense, Melo has won two Campeonato Carioca titles (in 2022 and 2023) and is a two-time winner of the Taça Guanabara. His impressive performance in 2023, with 37 appearances and most of them as a starter, underlines his continued value to the team. Coach Fernando Diniz expressed his confidence in Melo’s abilities, making a contract extension a mutual desire.
As the veteran defender prepares for another year at Fluminense, fans can expect him to continue contributing to the club’s success on and off the pitch.