purchased by Cruzeiro. In an interview just after his transfer he stated he never intended to leave Vasco, but he knew his transfer would put an end to the financial problems the club was having, which led him to the decision to leave. He also stated that he was very sad to leave the club and even though he is leaving Vasco, his heart is staying. Introduced in a supermarket in Belo Horizonte, home of his new club, Dedé appeared before journalists in an innovative publicity stunt. He later had his transfer blocked by FERJ, main football institution from Rio de Janeiro, the state of his former Vasco da Gama. According to FERJ, the reason for the blockade was due to debts owed by cruz-maltinos to the Brazilian Federal Justice. While this debt does not be paid, the defender must not keep playing for any club. Despite these problems, cruzeirenses, are not worried, considering them a matter that must be resolved by Vasco. On 16 January 2015, it was reported that Dedé would have to undergo a surgery in his right knee, being expected to return after about 8 months. He underwent another surgery in the same knee in April 2015 and only returned in 2016. That year, he fractured a kneecap and had a new surgery in August, again in his right knee, after playing only six matches. Ponte Preta On 28 March 2022, Dedé's contract with Ponte Preta was terminated by mutual consent. International career On 25 July 2011, after numerous great performances by Vasco da Gama, Dedé debuted with the Brazil national football team at the friendly match against Germany, on the first call by the coach Mano Menezes after their elimination in the 2011 Copa América., On 18 August, Dedé was selected again, this time for the friendly match against Ghana. Although he did not play in any of the aforementioned matches. In 5 September, Dedé was selected for Superclásico de las Américas, where only players who played in Brazilian football were selected. On 14 September, Dedé finally debuted in Superclásico de las Américas. On 15 October 2013, in a 2-0 friendly win against Zambia played in China, Dedé scored the second goal, heading in a free-kick cross by Neymar. Career statistics Club International International goals Scores and results list Brazil's goal tally first. Awards and honours Club Vasco da Gama Campeonato Brasileiro Série B: 2009