Perono Gone To ADONAI
Fausto Perono has finally called time on his career with Grilled International, as the 31 year-old Italian star moved to Moldova Divizia Naţională challengers ADONAI., for a round S$10 million. Perono had been one of the biggest attractions in this International squad since his arrival from AS Cassia Roma some eleven years ago for nearly S$6 million, but has had a notably rocky relationship with the higher-ups, mostly over the club's ambitions.
Two league scoring titles in the fifth division aside - with a third likely to be confirmed next week - Perono has yet to taste significant silverware in his time at International, and from the looks of this season, there are no realistic prospects of such in the near future. Conversely, ADONAI. finished runners-up in Divizia Naţională three seasons back, and with Onur Ötke refreshing his team with blockbuster talents such as Alexander Nushev and Bahraini international custodian Malik Shirazi, top-level honours are hardly out of the question.
Especially considering International's pressing financial troubles,
Didi Reidenbach had to concede that the transfer made a lot of sense. "We all know Perono's not the easiest guy to satisfy, but he's a superb striker who has contributed a lot to the club over a decade, for all he's said. I couldn't in good conscience hold him back any longer."
The supporters, who had often been driven to hostility against the controversy-seeking forward for his recurring transfer antics, appeared largely stunned that it had actually happened this time. "Deep down, we all knew the day would come, and frankly, it might be for the best." one forum user wrote. "He was really carrying this team at times this season, and the others haven't done much to earn his trust."
Perono himself was subdued during his brief farewell interview at Burung Memorial Stadium, which ended cordially enough on all sides; Reidenbach would refuse to comment on whether he had been offered to stay on a reduction of his current salary of some S$150,000 a week, but one would honestly be hard-pressed to argue that he didn't deserve it. "It will be different without Fausto around, whatever else." the head coach quipped, forcing a smile.
