Artur de Lima Junior, more affectionately known simply as Artur, began a new chapter last year when he joined Columbus on loan — a move that's since turned permanent and seen him flourish. The midfielder started his career in his hometown of Bahia, Brazil, with Sao Paulo FC.
He'd never had to go too far from home while growing into a professional athlete. Until he caught Columbus Crew SC Sporting Director and Head Coach Gregg Berhalter's eye.
After a successful first season with Crew SC, Artur faced a difficult decision. Continue his new life with Crew SC in Columbus — which was becoming more and more comfortable — or return home to Sao Paulo.
Ultimately, Artur was acquired permanently by Crew SC last December.
“Things happened quickly for me,” said Artur, “I never expected to come here. I played professionally in Sao Paulo for a year, and the next year I came here. I have found people here who want to help me and make me feel comfortable.”
A little more than a year later, Artur has adjusted to his new normal, and it's showing in his game. Not only did the midfielder learn a new language and culture, Artur transitioned from an unknown commodity into a key player for Crew SC — a favorite among supporters.
“I am a person who always likes to learn and improve," Artur said. "I always want to adapt and to learn and the people here helped me do that.”
In his first season with Columbus, Artur made 24 regular-season appearances, starting 19 matches. He scored his first professional goal, the game-winner, in thefirst leg of the Eastern Conference Semifinals against New York City FC.
“We train hard every day to adapt in all the areas of the field," he said. "We train to switch positions and keep things moving. Always moving. I think this helps us. We understand where we have to go in each moment of the game and we keep improving.
“I think I still have a lot of things to improve on.”
This season, Artur has started every game while providing two assists for the Black & Gold. The midfielder has been an impact player on the field — starting attacks from a deep-lying midfield position immediately after defending and winning the ball.
Through seven matches, he's among the League leaders in completed passes (403, third in MLS), attempted passes (464, fourth in MLS), tackles attempted (24, fifth in MLS) and tackles won (17, sixth in MLS). He is tied for seventh-most recoveries (58) in MLS with teammate Zack Steffen. Needless to say, Artur leads Crew SC in each of these categories.
“I want to help in the game. If I see the team needs me defensively, I have to be there — I want to be there — and I want to help offensively in the buildup,” he said.
Off the pitch, its much of the same. He is reliable and actively involved daily with his family despite the distance. The Brazilian is accustomed to some distance within his family: his older brother left home at an early age to play as well.
“If my family did not support me, I would not be here,” he reflected. “I keep in touch with my family. My young nephew is growing up so I want to see him every day. It is a little hard, but it is a thing I have to do. A thing that I love to do”
Columbus is a new home for Artur. With the support of his family in Brazil and his new Black & Gold family, the midfielder is on a path toward more success.
Crew SC returns to MAPFRE Stadium on Saturday, April 21 to host New England Revolution in a 7:30 p.m. ET kickoff.
