Celestino, 23, has shuttled between U.S. and Brazilian professional leagues for the last five years, making his pro debut in August, 2010, with the Puerto Rico Islanders, and playing part of 2011 with the Ft. Lauderdale Strikers. The defender/midfielder returned to Brazil in 2012 for the first of four seasons with Uniao Barbarense, prior to arriving in Utah earlier this month.
SCOUTING REPORT: “A grizzled professional for years now by Monarchs’ standards … Will be relied upon for his experience and quality on the ball … An amazingly competitive player that has found success in each step of his career … Plays like a holding midfielder … Has experience in NASL with Ft. Lauderdale, Brazilian player, broad shoulders, good technically, knows style of play in U.S., won’t have to adapt, right away a leader, he should add the leadership needed in a young group … Technical yet hard-nosed …”