Tonel says goodbye: Thanks to everyone on a great time in Dinamo

Few days before the official end of the first part of the season, Tonel said goodbye to Dinamo. Excellent Portuguese centre back is out of contract in a few days and exclusive for the clubs official website he talked about his career in Dinamo and reasons for leaving.

­- I would like to thank everyone on beautiful two and a half years in Zagreb. I'm leaving Dinamo and Zagreb but I'll never forget the good times I'm bringing with me -   said Tonel and commented on the last few weeks, based on former coach Ante Čačić's decision, he spent away from the first team: - The end of my career here wasn't like me or the club deserved it to be but that's bussiness and things like that happen. As I said, I spent couple of wonderful years here and nothing can change that.

Tonel came to Dinamo in August 2010. from Sporting Lisbon and achieved some great results with our club: - I won me first national championship here; actually, two of them. I gave my contribute to qualify the team in the group stage of the Champions league; also for two consecutive years. That was very important for me because the Champions league was the goal I talked about with Zdravko Mamić before coming here so I'm proud we did it. I feel like me job here is done.

- In the end, people in club told me they are very satisfied with me and it's important for me to hear that. We always had a great relationship and I'm glad my leaving didn't change anything - said Tonel and continued about his teammates: - We had dinner the other night and I said goodbye to everyone. The relationship with the players was always excellent, I know the appreciated my relationship for the job and respected me. I wish them all the best.

Tonel revealed the reasons for him leaving Dinamo: - I'm leaving because of my family. I have three kids that didn't adopt to the life in Zagreb like I did and Portugal is their home, our home. I am a family man, family comes first and that is the main reason for going back home. They have the rest of the family in Portugal and their friend too so I think they deserve a "normal childhood". We want to live together as a regular family and we can do that only in Portugal - honest as always won excellent Portuguese.

- I will never forget Dinamo and I'll always watch their games and they have a big fan in me - concluded Tonel.

What can we say except a big thank you for everything you've done for Dinamo and wish you all the best in your career and private life. In two and a half years in Zagreb Tonel earned respect of this teammates, fans, coaches and everyone that had a pleasure to work with him. He is a true gentleman on and off the pitch.

Thanks for everything and good luck!

Obrigado!