Lille striker Tulio de Melo scored a goal last week in a 4-0 win over Valenciennes and the striker’s last 10 Ligue 1 outings for Les Dogues would be crucial in securing his future at the club
Since arriving in Lille in 2008, Brazilian striker, Tulio de Melo, has been plagued by constant injuries. Out of action for a cumulative period of nineteen months, the 27-year-old striker regained some lost confidence by scoring for Rudi Garcia’s side in
last weekend’s 4-0 win over Valenciennes.
That goal was Melo’s first since May 10, 2011. In last night’s 3-0 win against Evian TG, de Melo played the whole game and showed signs of form that convinced Lille to sign him all those years ago. However, the striker fully understands that his performances
in the last 10 Ligue 1 outings would define his future at the Villeneuve d’Ascq.
The striker’s contract ends this June and the former Le Mans man is keen on doing well for Les Dogues regardless what the future holds for him.
While talking to L’Equipe, the striker said that he loves Lille and wants to devote himself wholeheartedly to the club.
“With Lille, this is not the story of a missed appointment. I really enjoyed (my time) at this club. And, I understand that my absences have made the leaders think about a lot of things. This is the rule. No matter where I play next season, I would always
love Lille. I adapt myself, as I did from the age of 11 when I had to leave home. I still have ten games and want to devote myself to do my best.”
The striker has made just two starts this campaign and knows that he will have a tough task on his hands to compete with January signing Nolan Roux who has scored four goals in 8 games for Lille.
Since arriving at Lille, the Montes Carlos-born striker has scored 22 goals in 88 games. Though Melo has always shown his talent, his injury problems are the main reason why Lille are not sure whether to give him a new contract or not.
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