Índio bids farewell to Operário in emotional video after 249 games

The Operário Ferroviário announced the departure of Indio, one of the biggest idols in the recent history of the Ponta Grossa club. The player will not have his contract renewed for the 2027 season and ends his trajectory with the alvinegra shirt after 249 matches, six titles and participation in historical moments of the Phantom. The farewell was marked by an exciting video, in which the athlete recalled achievements, thanked the fans and declared his love for the club.

The confirmation of the departure took place on Thursday (12), through an official statement from the Worker. Indio leaves the team as the player with the most matches played since the professionalization of the club's football, consolidating his name among the main characters of the alvinegra history.

In the farewell video, which lasted approximately four minutes, the athlete presented an open letter to fans, recalling his arrival in 2017, his return to the club at the end of 2022 and the moments that transformed his relationship with the Worker. “Maybe this is the hardest letter I’ve ever written. Because some goodbyes aren't just about leaving. It’s about looking back and realizing how much a place has become part of your life,” he said.

A farewell marked by emotion

Throughout the message, Indio stressed that his connection with the Worker had transcended the limits of football. The player underlined that he understood the feeling of the fans and the importance that the club represents for the city of Ponta Grossa.

"When I got here, I was a player wearing the club shirt. Today I feel part of it,” he said.

One of the most exciting excerpts of the farewell was dedicated to the alvinegra cheerleader, who accompanied the athlete during his two passages through the Phantom.

“You welcomed me, you supported me, you charged me when it was necessary. You celebrated and suffered with me. And most of all, you made me feel at home.”

Indio also highlighted the affection that his family developed for Ponta Grossa and revealed that the farewell represents the close of an important chapter not only of his career but also of his personal life.

"My family also found in Ponta Grossa a very special place," he said during the tribute.

Indian participated in historical achievements of the Worker

Indio’s career in Operário Ferroviário began in 2017, when he joined the Brazilian Championship cast of Série D. The conquest represented one of the first steps of the national rise of the Ghost.

In 2018, the player participated in two other victorious campaigns: the title of the Access Division of the Paranaense Championship and the conquest of the Brazilian Championship of the C Series, which guaranteed the return of the club to the second national division.

After three seasons away from Ponta Grossa, defending other teams, Indio returned to the Worker in late 2022, at a time of reconstruction after relegation to Serie C.

The return would be marked by another unforgettable chapter for the alvinegro fan.

In 2023, the Worker again gained access to the Brazilian Championship Series B. In the farewell, Indio recalled the goal scored in the 41th minute of the second half, which helped secure the qualification, combined with a favorable result in another match.

"It was the cry of an entire city. And maybe that’s precisely why that moment will never leave me,” he recalled.

In the following years, Indians continued to participate in important conquests. The player integrated the Paraná champions of 2025 and 2026, consolidating his trajectory among the most victorious athletes in the recent history of the Phantom.

Last placed in the Paraná champion in 2026

Another moment highlighted by the athlete was the conquest of the Paranaense Championship in 2026.

Indio recalled the recovery of the Worker during the competition, after the team occupied the last place and faced a scenario of mistrust.

“We came out of the last place. Many may not have believed, but we believe and we finish Paraná champions," he said.

The state title represented another achievement in the player's career, who also served as captain and became one of the main leaders of the cast.

With 249 matches for Operário Ferroviário, Indio ends his time as a record player for the club since professionalization. In addition to longevity, its trajectory was marked by participation in state and national achievements.

Worker thanks the idol and confirms exit

In an official statement, the Operário Ferroviário recognized the importance of Indio for the institution and thanked for the services provided throughout the two passages.

The club highlighted the dedication, professionalism and passion shown by the player, highlighting his contribution to the sporting growth of the Ghost.

The Alvinegra direction also wished the athlete success in the continuation of his career.

The departure takes place amidst the Worker’s planning for 2027. The club had already confirmed that Matheus Miranda, Charles and Pedro Vilhena will also not have their contracts renewed for next season.

So far, Indian has not announced what his next professional destination will be.

“Once a worker, always a worker”

In the final part of the video, Indio left open the possibility of a return to the club in the future, but reinforced that his feeling for the Ghost will remain regardless of the next steps of the career.

“Maybe one day I’ll wear that shirt again. - Maybe not. But one thing I'm sure of. I will never cease to be a worker.”

The player closed the message with words of gratitude to the city, the fans and the institution that marked his professional trajectory.

“I came as a player. I leave as a worker. And wherever life takes me, I will take with me the certainty that there is a city and a shirt that will always have a piece of my heart.”

The farewell ended with a sentence that summarizes the relationship built during the years in Ponta Grossa:

Once a worker, always a worker. With respect, love and eternal gratitude. Indian. "

For the Alvinegro fans, the departure represents the closure of an important cycle in the recent history of the club, marked by accessions, titles and moments that helped to consolidate the Worker on the national stage.

Video of the Indian's dismissal:

 

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