Template:Infobox football biography
Lester Fernandez (born 6 December 1986) is an Indian professional footballer who plays as a midfielder and current football coach.[1]
Career
Early career
Born in Bangalore, Karnataka, Fernandez graduated from the Tata Football Academy in 2007.[2] He then signed his first professional deal with Dempo of the I-League. He then signed for Vasco next season before signing with Salgaocar the next season in 2009.[2]
He then signed for I-League side Pune F.C. in 2010.[2] After the 2010–11 season, Fernandez was voted the Fans' Player of the Year.[2]
Prayag United and Mumbai Tigers
On 11 June 2012 it was announced that Fernandez had been sold to fellow I-League side Prayag United for Rs 20 lakh.[3] He made his debut for Prayag United on 7 October 2012 against Air India in a league match. He came on in the 82nd minute for C.K. Vineeth as Prayag United won 5–1.[4]
After the 2012–13 season, Fernandez left Prayag United due to lack of playing time and signed for Mumbai Tigers who were expected to participate in the I-League for the 2013–14 season.[5] However, before the season began, it was announced that Mumbai Tigers had dropped out of the I-League, meaning that Fernandez would not participate in the league.[6]
Pune
On 18 February 2014 it was announced that Fernandez had re-signed with former club Pune.[2] He made his return debut for the club on 19 February 2014 against Mohammedan. He came on as a 65th-minute substitute for Anthony D'Souza as Pune won 2–0.[7]
Atletico de Kolkata
Fernandez was drafted by Indian Super League franchise Atlético de Kolkata in the 10th round.[8] In his second match against Chennaiyin FC, he won the ISL Emerging player of the match award.[9]
International
In February 2012 Fernandez was selected into India head coach Savio Medeira's 30-man squad.[10] He then made his international debut for India on 23 February 2012 against Oman in which he started and played 56 minutes as India lost 5–1.[11]
Honours
- Atlético de Kolkata
References
- ↑ Whatever happened to Lester Fernandez? The talented midfielder who won the ISL | Goal.com. www.goal.com. Retrieved 2020-06-30.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 Pune FC re-sign winger Lester Fernandez.
- ↑ Pune FC sells Lester to Prayag United for Rs 20 lakh.
- ↑ United vs. Air India 5 - 1.
- ↑ Mumbai Tigers to rope in Lester Fernandez and Shylo Malsawmtluanga.
- ↑ Mumbai Tigers pull out of I-League.
- ↑ Pune vs. Mohammedan 2 - 0.
- ↑ ISL 10th round draft. Facebook.
- ↑ Atletico de Kolkata vs Chennaiyin FC. Indian Super League.
- ↑ Team India leaves for Dubai.
- ↑ Oman thrash India 5-1 in an international friendly.