Cleo wants to leave Guangzhou Evergrande

GUANGZHOU - Guangzhou Evergrande striker Cleo confirmed on Sunday that he was considering leaving the Chinese Super League (CSL) Champions after he was ruled out of the squad for the upcoming AFC Champions League quarterfinals by coach Marcello Lippi.

"I want to leave as a professional player, not as a person. Because as a professional player, the most important thing for me is the Champions League," the Brazilian said.

With 4 goals in 7 matches in the AFC Champions league, including a winner against FC Tokyo in the round of 16, Cleo has been the hero of Evergrande.

"I played very hard in the Champions League; I even played every game and scored goals for the team. So it is hard to accept. I discussed this issue with Lippi before I spoke to the press, he understands my thought, he respects me, and I respect his decision," he added.

The 27-year-old received full applause by the fans despite missing several chances to score after the goalless match between Guangzhou and Tianjin.

In each of the team's home matches Cleo would go around the stadium after the whistle to express his gratefulness to the supporters, no matter his team won or not.

"As a person, the fans like me and I like them, I am enjoying my life here. I do my best for the team when the team need me, I don't want to leave now," he said.

The Brazilian joined the CSL side in February 2011, when Evergrande was just promoted to the top flight. Struggling with injury in most time of the season, Cleo helped the team to claim the league title by scoring 10 goals in 10 matches.

After he finally recovered from the long-time injury this season, however, he found a new competitor -- former Dortmund striker Lucas Barrios. The Paraguayan, who cost the club 8.5 million Euros, replaced Cleo's position in the AFC Champions League.

But the 28-year-old got injured in CFA cup match against Liaoning on Wednesday, leaving glimmer of hope to the Brazilian if Barrios could not recover in time before the upcoming quarterfinals first leg in middle September.

Cleo said he would spare no effort to play in the Champions League even if there is little hope. "I am working for that (Champions League), I am always ready for chance and opportunity," he said.