Political unrest in Syria ends AFC Cup dream of former Pune FC striker Edmar Figueira

Pune FC’s former number ’9′: Edmar Figueira

It is often said that sport should not have any barriers but an off-the-field obstacle has stopped a Brazilian player from pursuing his dream of winning this year’s AFC Cup. Brazilian striker Edmar Figueira, who had a two-year spell at Pune FC, had been playing for Syrian club Al Shorta, who, like India’s East Bengal, have made it to the quarter-finals of the 2013 AFC Cup.

Edmar had played his part in Shorta’s progression to the last eight but won’t get the chance to compete any further in the competition as he has left the club without even discussing a contract extension due to the ongoing political unrest in Syria.

“The situation here in Damascus got more terrible than I had imagined. Everyday bombs explode and the environment is terrible, thus I couldn’t risk my life further. It’s a real disappointment to leave this great chance of possibly winning the AFC Cup and of course there also could have been a wonderful opportunity to return to India and play East Bengal at the Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata,” Edmar told Sportskeeda in an exclusive chat.

After spending two seasons at Pune FC between 2009 and 2011, Edmar had spells in the lower divisions of Portugal, Romania and Germany before joining Shorta early in 2013. He helped the the Syrian club win their group and qualify for the championship playoffs, to be played in August, in the Syrian domestic league besides starting in three matches of the AFC Cup group stage.

Edmar, who missed out the victory against Iraq’s Arbil in the round of 16 due to injury, had signed a short-term contract with Shorta and didn’t have any intention of discussing about an extension due to the problems in Syria.

Shorta were forced to play their AFC Cup home matches in Jordan because of security concerns in Syria and Edmar believes many other players also could leave citing the same reason.

“It was a great experience playing for Shorta as we had a very talented group of players and did extremely well to reach the quarter-finals. But sadly many of them could leave as some of them are out of contract like me and with the situation there now, they are unlikely to remain at the club,” the 29-year-old stated.

Edmar with former Pune FC coach Derrick Pereira

The Brazilian striker still has fond memories of his two-year spell at Pune, where he scored 28 goals in 40 appearances. His first season with Pune was also the club’s debut campaign in the I-League and Edmar’s 15 goals saw the Red Lizards finish third.

As a result, the Brazilian won three individual awards at the club’s annual awards’ night – ‘Player of the Year’, ‘Golden Goal’ and ‘Players’ Player of the Year’.

“The time at Pune FC was one of the best phases of my career. I am grateful to the people there and still in touch with most of them and will continue my friendship with them forever,” he said.

Edmar is a free agent now and very much open to offers from India also.

“There is always time for everything and some people from India have had talks with me, but nothing more so far. With the right offer anything is possible but let’s wait and see what God has planned for me,” he concluded.