Former Manchester City forward Jo has reportedly been detained for the fourth time due to unpaid child maintenance, authorities in Brazil confirmed.
The 38-year-old, father of eight, was apprehended at a barbecue in Rio de Janeiro on Thursday, with arrears reportedly totaling around £31,500 from 2024 alone.
This latest arrest follows previous detentions in the cities of Campinas and Contagem over similar unpaid contributions.
Ex-Partner Blasts Jo Over Parenting Issues
Maira Quiderolly, one of Jo’s ex-girlfriends, publicly criticised the footballer following news of his previous arrests.
While it’s unclear whether the maintenance debt is related to their son, Joao Gabriel, Quiderolly didn’t hold back in an Instagram video.
“I can’t receive the pension correctly,” she said.
“When he pays on the right day, he pays in different amounts, so I can’t receive it correctly.
It’s always torture to get things, and I’m always considered wrong.”
She added that her son feels the absence of his father keenly.
“My son is sure that his father is not present… Better this way than a bad example of a father next door,” Quiderolly explained.
Previous Arrests and On-Field Incidents
Jo’s legal troubles aren’t new. In May 2024, while playing for Serie B side Amazonas, he was reportedly arrested en route to a match against Ponte Preta after police boarded the team bus in Campinas.
He spent the night at the 10th Police District before being released after paying the demanded contributions.
From CSKA Moscow to Manchester City
Jo first made headlines in Europe when Manchester City signed him from CSKA Moscow in 2008 for a then-club record £19 million.
Expectations were high, but the striker struggled to adapt to life at the Etihad.
He went on two loan spells at Everton between 2009 and 2011, before a third stint in Turkey with Galatasaray.
Return to Brazil and Retirement
After his time in Europe, Jo returned to Brazil, featuring for several clubs, including Corinthians, where he had two separate spells.
His final professional chapter was with Itabirito, from which he retired earlier this year.
Legal and Personal Challenges Continue
Despite his storied football career, Jo’s personal life has remained turbulent, with repeated clashes with the law over child maintenance. This latest arrest underscores ongoing challenges in balancing fame, fortune, and family obligations.
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