Brazilian veteran Everton leaves after agreeing to terminate contract

Author: Soorya G

Another well-known player on the national soccer scene is leaving Ponte Preta before the end of the Serie B season. After striker André and midfielder Souza, attacking midfielder Everton is in negotiations to terminate his contract early. It is still likely that both parties will reach an agreement to conclude the contract, which was originally scheduled to end in December.

At 34, Everton, who has played for clubs such as Flamengo, São Paulo and Grêmio, among others, has been plagued by physical problems. He has undergone two operations on his left ankle since joining the squad at the end of July 2022 and has only played eight games for Macaca in that time (five this season and three last year).

Everton last took to the field on September 9, playing 45 minutes in the goalless draw with Sampaio Corrêa and being substituted at half-time. In addition, it has been reported that he recently underwent a “tendon scraping” procedure due to persistent pain. Ponte’s official statement, via their press office, is that “Everton continues with his maintenance work in the team, following the daily schedule established by the coaching staff”.

As well as the players, two members of the coaching staff also left the club recently. Physical trainer Anderson Nicolau and physiotherapist Caio Bueno opted to leave after receiving better offers from Thai soccer and Red Bull Bragantino, respectively. Ponte’s financial instability, with frequent wage arrears, was an important factor in his decisions.

With seven games remaining in Serie B, Macaca are fighting the threat of relegation. There is a four-point gap to Chapecoense, who are just above the relegation zone. The next challenge is scheduled for Sunday, against Atlético-GO, a contender for the top four, at the Moisés Lucarelli stadium.