Brazilian Club Hires Goalkeeper Who Killed Girlfriend, Fed Her To Dogs

(Image: BBC)

A Brazilian soccer club has recruited a goalkeeper recently released from prison after being convicted of killing his girlfriend and feeding her body parts to his dogs.

Bruno Fernandes de Souza served seven years of a 22-year sentence but was set free in February on a technicality.

Once touted as a potential national team keeper, Bruno, now 32, has been signed by Boa Esporte Clube who play in the second division in Brazil – Serie B.

The move has understandably caused plenty of outrage, with at least five sponsors reportedly withdrawing their support of the club as a result.

In a news conference transmitted by ESPN Brazil Tuesday, Souza said he was thankful for the opportunity and had been preparing himself for years to return to play.

"People run from me because of what happened in the past," said Souza, wearing a team shirt.

"Boa is opening the doors (for me). I'm very happy, motivated."

The city of Varginha, about 400 kilometres northwest of Rio de Janeiro, also said it was looking into whether it was legally possible to break with the team, which uses its facilities.

In a Facebook post, club president Rone Moraes da Costa defended the decision, saying all laws had been followed and that the second-division club was doing its part to help a man recover.

"Who has never heard (it said) that work dignifies a man?" he wrote.

Many Brazilians, from Esporte fans to women's groups, strongly disagreed, and thousands of angry comments were posted on the team's Facebook page.

"I will cheer on Boa Esporte if the team plays terribly in every game," wrote Rodrigo Marcos Costa below the club president's message. "A team that hires a killer doesn't deserve anybody's respect."

Souza, 32, previously starred for Rio de Janeiro-based Flamengo.

with AAP