Robertlandy Simon (right) signed a three-year contract with Brazilian club Sada Cruzeiro
Contagem, Brazil, April 19, 2016 – Cuban star Robertlandy Simon has signed a three-year contract with 2015 FIVB Volleyball Men’s Club World Championship winners Sada Cruzeiro on Tuesday, to provide the Brazilian club an exceptional boost in their 2016/17 campaign.
Sada Cruzeiro will now have two Cuban players in their roster, as Yoandy Leal also renewed his contract with the Brazilian side until 2018. Simon weighed in on the rich history of Sada Cruzeiro and the rare opportunity to play with his compatriot before he signed the contract.
“I am very excited to play for a world-renowned and a multi-titled team like Sada Cruzeiro,” Simon said. “It is very important that I adapt to their system as quickly as possible. For sure, it will be a great experience for me and I will do my best to achieve the goals of the team.
“It’s a great pleasure for me to sign with Sada Cruzeiro. For the first time, I will be able to play in a club next to my good friend Leal, who I played with in the World Cup and in many other international competitions. I think this is a rare opportunity to play together in one club.”
Twenty-eight-year-old Simon is considered as one of the best middle blockers in the world. He began his career with the Cuban national team at age 17 and led as captain for five years. Simon was instrumental in their silver medal finish at the 2010 FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Cup.
At club level, he played for Italian side Piacenza and for 2014 Club World Championship runners-up Al Rayyan of Qatar. Last season, he played for Ansan OK Savings Bank in the Korean League.
Sada Cruzeiro coach Marcelo Mendez is thrilled that Simon’s addition will have an immense contribution to the team.
“He is a world-class player, a great spiker and blocker, which I think will contribute greatly to the fundamentals of my team,” Mendez said. “His international experience will bring a lot to the team.”