Exeter City FC

Exeter City’s Brazilian friends and partner club, Fluminense, recently moved up into second place in the Campeonato Brasileiro Série A – and bolstered their squad with the signing of football icon Ronaldinho!

Possibly best remembered in England for ‘that World Cup goal’ over David Seaman’s head – as well as any number of audacious tricks and flicks throughout a prestigious and trophy-laden career – the 97-times capped player joins veteran Fred in a squad made up mainly from players from the Fluminense academy, as part of the club’s policy of ‘growing their own’ and promoting players upwards through the ranks.

That system has seen the club improve their standing and prove the worth of their investment in the academy facilities located in Xerém, outside of Rio de Janeiro.  It was at Xerém which the Exeter City team stayed last summer during the centenary celebrations of the first Brazil national team game.

And it was, in fact, homegrown playmaker Gustavo Scarpa who has netted in each of Flu’s last two games – both narrow wins – that has helped to put Flu in such a commanding position.  12 months ago, Scarpa was lining up against Exeter at Estádio das Laranjeiras.

Grecians supporters will have the chance to see many more future stars when Fluminense U19 make their first ever visit to St James Park on Monday 20th July, kicking off at 7.30pm.  The match, which is sponsored by Paramount Personnel, Cross Deck, Underwoods Solicitors, Exeter College, Marsh Kia, Bicton College and Lloyds Kitchen, will be a chance for Exeter fans to do their own bit of talent scouting and make predictions of who is likeliest to join the long list of stars to have been developed at Flu!

The Fluminense U19 team is heading to Europe to feature in the CEE Cup in the Czech Republic, before attempting to become the first team to win the Internationales U19-Fußballturnier in Germany for the third time in succession.

We look forward to hosting this prestigious friendly fixture against our friends from Brazil.  Click here for ticket information for the game.