On August 26th of this summer, Qilu.com came with heavy news that Shandong Taishan Football Club officially announced that it had reached a termination agreement with Brazilian striker Guedes. That night, Gerdes published a long and affectionate farewell letter on the social platform.
The original text of the letter reads as follows:
The time has come to wave goodbye. At the time of parting, my heart is full of reluctance, but please believe that the farewell with Shandong Taishan team is the most difficult choice in my career. However, please remember, that orange color, that Taishan, will always be engraved in my heart.
I remember that summer of 2018, I was fortunate enough to be favored by the club to set foot on this unfamiliar land from faraway Brazil and become a member of Shandong Taishan team, opening a new chapter of my career. From the initial difficulties of adapting to the final attachment, I have experienced countless things here, and there are so many words of thanks.
Thank you to the club for accepting me unselfishly and honoring my decision in parting. Thank you to the coaching team for guiding me carefully and allowing me to climb up the ladder of strength. Thanks to my teammates for their cooperation on the field, allowing me to contribute goals to the team. More than anything else, I want to thank you - the greatest and most honorable fans, and I hope you will continue to support me and Shandong Taishan.
Three years have left countless wonderful memories, and the words "Shandong Taishan" have been deeply engraved in my heart. 2020, we won the AFC Cup, which was one of the most glorious moments in my career. There will always be a beam of orange light in my heart, illuminating my way forward.
At this parting time, I will send the most sincere and best wishes to Shandong Taishan and all the Taishan fans, Taishan, the champion eternal!
