Former Azerbaijani national team player and naturalized foreigner Andre Ladaga is coming to Azerbaijan.
Idman.biz, citing Fanat.az, reports that the Brazilian defender himself shared the news.
He said that he will arrive in Baku in 10 days. The purpose of his visit is to try his luck again in Azerbaijani football. The 50-year-old veteran wants to work as a coach, act as an intermediary in bringing Brazilian players to Azerbaijan, and also take on the role of a football executive. Upon his arrival, he will evaluate the offers he has received in these directions. Ladaga did not disclose which clubs he received offers from.
Ladaga played for nearly four years with FC Baku, during which he became an Azerbaijani champion and won the national cup. The Brazilian was called up to the national team during Shahin Diniyev's tenure, making 11 appearances and scoring one goal. His debut for the national team took place on September 2, 2006, in a UEFA Euro 2008 qualifying group match against Serbia. Azerbaijan lost that away match 0–1. Four days later, in a home match against Kazakhstan (1–1), Ladaga scored a memorable goal.
Born Andre Luiz Ladaga on February 19, 1975, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, he played as a defender. His professional career began in 1994 with Itaperuna. In 1995, he played for Vasco da Gama, and in 1996 for Internacional. However, it was at Fluminense (1997–2000) where he truly made a name for himself. He later played for clubs like Madureira, Olaria, and America before moving to Azerbaijan in 2004. Representatives of FC Baku who went to Brazil to scout players were impressed by Ladaga and brought him to Azerbaijan. His best years as a footballer were spent in Azerbaijan. Between 2004 and 2008, he made 80 appearances and scored 6 goals for FC Baku. He had a short stint with Karvan in 2009, where he played just two matches. Not called up to the national team after 2009, Ladaga returned to Brazil in January 2010.
Idman.biz
