Carlos Fortes Says Arema Management's Treatment Cause Him To Leave PSIS: My Priority Is To Stay, But No One Responds

JAKARTA - Carlos Fortes has finally responded to his controversial move from Arema FC to PSIS Semarang. The Portuguese player said that Singo Edan's management was one of the driving factors for him to leave for another Liga 1 team.

PSIS Semarang officially introduced Carlos Fortes as their new recruit on Friday, April 1. Not alone, Fortes was also introduced with another PSIS recruit, Taisei Marukawa.

On the same day, Arema FC as Fortes' old club released an official statement that the player is actually still under contract with Singo Edan until April 30. This situation then invites controversy.

Regarding the situation, Fortes finally gave a response. The 27-year-old explained that his move to PSIS Semarang was legal and he refused to have two contracts, namely with PSIS as his new team and Arema FC until April 30.

"I don't have two contracts. My contract with PSIS will start when next season's competition starts. That means my contract has ended with Arema FC," said Carlos Fortes, quoted from the upload by the Indonesian Professional Footballers Association (APPI) on Instagram, Tuesday, April 5. .

"My priority at that time was of course staying at Arema FC, but no one responded to me to extend the contract until finally PSIS made its official offer," added Fortes.

Regarding Fortes' statement, APPI also supported the statement that the transfer of the player from Arema FC to PSIS Semarang was legal and did not violate the rules.

"The player has the right to talk and even press a contract with a new club as long as the duration of the contract starts after the contract period with his old club ends."

"This can be done with a period of 6 months before the expiration of the contract with his old club."

"As long as the player transfer process is carried out in accordance with the rules, the Federation (global and national level) can take over the registration of players who require a letter from their old club," wrote APPI on Instagram.

Fortes is one of the foreign strikers who has the sharpest record in the 2021/2022 League 1 competition. Fortes is Arema FC's top scorer with a total of 20 goals from 31 matches. He is ranked third in the team's overall top scorer standings.