São Paulo announced on their official website on Monday that they have officially made the ownership rights of Brazilian midfielder Marcos Antônio, who is currently on-loan from Lazio permanent.

According to São Paulo's official statement, Antônio has signed on long-term four-and-a-half-half-year deal with the club which runs until the winter of 2030, coinciding with the club's 100th anniversary.

After completing his transfer procedures, Antônio, who was interviewed by the São Paulo official website again, said said: "I am very happy to continue my time here. I am very grateful to God for everything I have experienced at the club."

"I have always been fully committed, worked hard, and strived to make everything go in the right direction, so I am very happy to continue wearing this jersey. I love this jersey very much. May everything go well, and let's make history together at the club."

About Marcos Antônio

The 25-year-old Antônio was born on June 13, 2000, in Poções, Bahia, Brazil. He is 1.66 meters tall and primarily plays as a center midfielder, but can also play as an attacking midfielder or defensive midfielder.

Antônio joined Athletico Paranaense's youth academy at a young age and moved to Estoril in 2018, before completing his Estoril first-team debut in a Taça de Portugal match that September.

On the following year's winter transfer window deadline day, Antônio joined Shakhtar Donetsk for €3.5 million.

During his three-and-a-half-year spell at Shakhtar Donetsk, Antônio won the Ukrainian Premier League title twice, the Ukrainian Cup once, and the Ukrainian Super Cup once.

In July 2022, Antônio joined Lazio for €7.5 million.

During his time with I Biancocelesti, Antônio helped the Serie A powerhouse reach the quarterfinals of the Coppa Italia and the Round of 16s of the UEFA Conference League.

On the following year's summer transfer window deadline day, Antônio was loaned-out to PAOK Thessaloniki.

During this spell, he helped the club reach the semifinals of the Greek Cup and the quarterfinals of the UEFA Conference League.

Since July 2024, Antônio joined São Paulo on-loan.

Since joining São Paulo, Antônio has made 74 appearances for the Campeonato Brasileiro Série A powerhouse in all competitions so far, providing 8 assists, and has helped the club reach the Copa Libertadores quarterfinals twice.

Image source: Internet / São Paulo official website