JOHOR Baru: Johor Darul Ta'zim (JDT) did not blink an eye when they replaced Brazilian defender Marcos Antonio with his countryman, Mauricio Nascimento.
The centre-back’s inclusion is a move to make JDT stronger ahead of next year’s M-League and the AFC Champions League.
The long-serving Antonio, also a centre-back, made a decision not to renew his contract.
JDT have also announced that they will not be renewing the contract of midfielder Fernando Elizari and they are now looking for an able replacement.
Nascimento has vast experience playing in Europe. He has featured for Serie A’s Lazio, Russia’s Spartak Moscow and Poland’s Legia Warsaw.
The 30-year-old began his professional career with Brazil's Palmeiras.