This archive report was first published on 7 October 2019.
On October 5, 2019, football fans in Brazil welcomed Bruno Fernandes, a 34-year-old former Flamengo goalkeeper, back to the sport he loves after a six-year hiatus.
Fernandes, who was part of Flamengo's title-winning squad in 2009, had been sentenced to 22 years in prison in 2013 for the murder of his ex-girlfriend, Eliza Samudio.
According to reports, a court in Brazil found Fernandes guilty of being involved in Samudio's killing, which was allegedly carried out by his friends who strangled her and fed her body parts to dogs.
However, Fernandes has been allowed to participate in a part-time release scheme, which has enabled him to join his new club, Pocos de Calas, and revive his football career.
As part of his release conditions, Fernandes is only allowed to leave prison during the day and must return at night.
Despite these restrictions, Fernandes made a successful appearance for Pocos de Calas as a second-half substitute, producing impressive saves as his side won 2-0 against Independiente Juruaia in a friendly match.
