Al Shabab and Al Jazira paid tribute to their former boss, who lifted trophies with both prior to his summer move back to Brazil.
Emotion was high among players and officials from Shabab after they played out a 0-0 draw at Hatta in the Arabian Gulf League, while the Pride of Abu Dhabi put up a black and white photo of the 51-year-old at their Mohammed bin Zayed Stadium during a 2-0 win against Dibba Al Fujairah.
For Hatta playmaker Rafael Bastos, the pain was fresher as he had been playing for Chapecoense, nicknamed Verdao – the Big Green – up until October 1. Only three of the 31-year-old’s former team-mates survived the crash.
“This club, these players, these staff, these directors, were all good men,” said Bastos, who made seven appearances prior to last month’s switch.
“They all have a family and now it is difficult to speak. I miss my brothers. I believe we stay together in God.”
A fantastic debut campaign at Shabab in 2014/15 saw Caio inspire them to finish third in the AGL and lift the GCC Club Cup. Team manager Obaid Madani struggled to contain his emotions when asked about Fred Rutten’s cherished predecessor.
“You make me shiver,” said Obaid. “We were always in contact with him, he was always congratulating us when we won games.
“Winning the GCC Club Cup was fantastic. I also remember celebrating his 50th birthday – if I talk more, my tears will come out.”
Caio claimed the 2012 President’s Cup during his one season at Jazira, while also helping them through to the knockout stages of the AFC Champions League.
“When we played Esteghlal, it was the first time ever a UAE team won on Iranian soil,” said Pedram Badakhsh, who worked alongside him as a tactical advisor against Iranian teams. “We won 2-1 and Caio made history.”
Meanwhile, Saad Al Shammari, deputy head of football at Al Gharafa, was part of the side that Junior led to the 2009/2010 QSL title.
He paid his tribute, saying: “It’s a sad moment for the players at Al Gharafa club, Caio Junior was a fantastic coach for the club and more importantly a good man. He was always such a positive person, and without his guidance we would have not won the league title that season. Everyone at Al Gharafa club offers their thoughts and prayers to everyone connected with Chapecoense at this time.”
