12 January 2007, by Marco Pereira

Jardel says a definitive goodbye to Portuguese football

Striker rescinds contract with Beira-Mar by mutual consent

Beira-Mar striker, Mario Jardel, will be packing his bags as he has ended his association with the club by mutual consent.

The former Sporting and Porto marksman was brought in at the beginning of the season by ex-coach, Augusto Inacio.

With the recent partnership that the club has built with Inverfutbol, the club decided that ‘Super Mario’ was excess to requirements as they are trying to restructure the club, but Jardel holds no grudges.

“I’m happy,” said the 33-year-old. “Here I dealt with honest people who helped me a lot, but I wasn’t playing and at my age I can’t carry on like that.”

Jardel said he is likely to be leaving Portuguese for good, and is currently weighing up offers from China and Saudi Arabia, as well as considering linking up with former coach, Inacio, who is now managing Ionikos in Greece.

The former Brazilian international was the most feared striker in Portugal for years during his Porto and Sporting days, scoring an incredible 183 goals in 174 appearances. Upon returning to Portuguese football this season he hit three goals in 12 matches.