CSKA’s Communications Director, Kirill Breido, weighed in on reports that defender Mario Fernandez has left Internacional. The Brazilian club’s press service announced today, April 21, that the 32-year-old player had requested the termination of his contract for personal reasons. Breido acknowledged the news but stressed that the club would not comment further at this moment. He noted that conversations with Mario happen almost daily and that both sides share a strong mutual respect and a readiness to support one another in all matters. Still, he emphasized that for today, no additional statements could be made regarding the development.
Looking ahead, Breido reiterated the club’s long-standing position as stated in December. There is a shared interest in Mario Fernandez returning to CSKA in the future. However, he also made clear that it is prudent to wait until the season concludes before discussing any possibilities or confirming plans, underscoring the importance of assessing the situation after the current campaign ends.
Historically, Fernandez paused his playing career near the end of CSKA’s previous season. He traveled back to Brazil to rest and to be with his family. In September, Mario and his wife welcomed a son, a personal milestone that coincided with his time away from the field. Since May, the defender has not appeared in competitive matches, and his contract with CSKA is set to expire in 2024.
Earlier in December, CSKA granted Fernandez the option to join Internacional on a one-year loan arrangement, a pathway that allowed him to remain active while keeping a potential return to Russia on the table. This loan period represented a bridge between his commitments in Brazil and the club’s long-term plans for his career.
Additionally, there has been an independent development outside of the club’s direct sphere. The United Arab Emirates Football Federation indicated openness to a friendly match with Russia, a potential external compatibility consideration within the broader international calendar. Such developments illustrate the ongoing interactions among clubs and national bodies as players navigate transfers, loans, and international fixtures in a fluid football landscape.