2017-2018 BRAZILIAN MEN’S SUPERLIGA
- 10/14 – 03/17 – Regular Season
- Official League Site
- Teams
- Schedule
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- Round 1; Round 2; Round 3; Round 4; Round 5; Round 6; Round 7; Round 8; Round 9; Round 10; Round 11
- Round 12; Round 13; Round 14; Round 15; Round 16
Melhodovolei.com.br has confirmed that Taubate´s captain and former Trentino and Zenit Kazan star Raphael Oliveira has received a hefty offer from Poland’s Asseco Resovia. Contract values are reported to be upwards to 320+ thousand Euros (or 400k dollars). Here is what Raphael had to say of the news:
“It’s a great offer, of course, but I’m focusing all my energies on being able to finish Superliga well and working towards my team’s and teammates’ goals. I have no interest in leaving because I have been away from Brazil for a long time.”
Indeed the 38-year-old Raphael, now a father of 2, has spent most of his career in Europe, as from 2004-14 he played for Zenit Kazan, Vibo Valentia, Trentino, and Halkbank. However, it is easy to understand why teams are being quick to make offers to the Brazilian standout despite his clear, public statements about not wanting to leave Brazil. One would just have to take a quick look at his accomplishments as a player: Raphael was the first Brazilian setter to win an Italian Championship, Russian Cup, CEV Champions League, and the Turkish treble (Supercup, Cup, Championship). He is also the only setter in history to win 4 FIVB World Club Championships, doing so in stunning fashion, with straight, unbeaten titles, while also taking home the best setter awards in all editions of the tournament.
It seems that 320k Euros was not enough to woo him. But will we have a higher bidder? If so, will Raphael remain unmoved? We’ll soon find out.
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