Brazilian club signs goalie convicted in murder case

VARGINHA, Brazil: A Brazilian football club brushed aside a storm of criticism Tuesday to sign a goalkeeper convicted for murdering his girlfriend, whose body was fed to the dogs.

Bruno Fernandes, 32, was presented before reporters at a hastily arranged press conference in the southeastern city of Varginha, where he pulled on Boa Esporte club’s black and red shirt, before going to a medical checkup.

Bruno, as he is commonly known, said he would now “concentrate on (his) work.”

“The important thing for me is to get started,” he was quoted as saying by the UOL news website.

However, the talented goalie, who used to play for top Brazilian club Flamengo and had been touted as a recruit for Italian giants AC Milan, faces a bitter reception.

Sponsors have fled second division Boa Esporte, including chief backer Gois and Silva, which withdrew Monday. Its logo was still emblazoned on the shirt worn by Bruno on Tuesday.

The reaction on social media has been fierce.

Bruno had been incarcerated since 2010 for his role in the kidnapping, imprisonment and killing of model Eliza Samudio, who sued him for child support after he got her pregnant. In 2013, he was sentenced to 22 years behind bars.

Bruno was released from prison last month after a ruling by the Supreme Court, which freed him pending an appeal.