Prolific Brazilian striker commits his future to Sharjah

Marcelo Oliveira, the Brazilian forward who scored 28 goals in his first two Pro League seasons, has signed a new contract with Sharjah, a team official said today.

Oliveira, often known by Sharjah fans as "Marcelinho", was second in the league in the 2010/11 season with 13 goals; he scored 15 in the previous term.

His production was particularly noticeable at Sharjah, constituting more than 40 per cent of all strikes recorded by the goal-starved side; their 67 goals the past two seasons are the fewest by any of the 10 teams who completed in the Pro League in both seasons, 45 fewer than scored by Al Jazira.

Oliveria, who will turn 27 just before the 2011/12 seasons kicks off, was out-scored this season only by Andre Senghor, the Baniyas striker, who had 18 goals.

Sharjah had been thought to be involved in talks with Ronaldinho, the former Brazil international and two-time Fifa Player of the Year, but keeping Oliveira in the side may indicate a change in direction.

Sharjah continue to search for a coach to replace Manuel Cajuda, dismissed last month after nearly two years in charge.

poberjuerge@thenational.ae