Adriano vows to return after Atletico release

IANS

Rio de Janeiro, April 13 (IANS) Former Brazil international striker Adriano has vowed to revive his stalled career at another club after parting ways with Brazil’s Atletico Paranaense.

Atletico Friday stated that the 32-year-old’s contract was rescinded by mutual consent, just four days after the club’s elimination from the Copa Libertadores, reports Xinhua.

“Now I’m going to continue doing what I enjoy most — playing football. I want to express my gratitude to Atletico Paranaense. I completed my objective by returning to the pitch. My time at the club was very fulfilling,” Adriano wrote on Facebook.

Adriano scored just one goal for Atletico after signing with the Brazilian top-flight outfit in December. He had previously not played since March 2012 after suffering a recurrence of an Achilles tendon injury that required surgery for a second time in two years. He was subsequently sacked by both Corinthians and Flamengo due to disciplinary and lifestyle reasons.

The former Inter Milan forward was once considered one of the most potent strikers in football. He has scored 27 goals from 48 matches for Brazil and won the Golden Ball award for the best player at both the 2004 Copa America and 2005 Confederations Cup.