Palmeiras targets Cagliari striker Ribeiro

Rio De Janeiro, June 6 (IANS) Brazilian striker Thiago Ribeiro has revealed his desire to leave Serie A club Cagliari and return to his homeland.

On loan at the Italian outfit since August last year, the 26-year-old hinted Tuesday he could be ready to join Brazil’s Palmeiras, Xinhua reports.

“Palmeiras called my agent (Juan Figer) but there was nothing he could say because my loan doesn’t finish until June 30 and there is a buy-out option on the contract which gives Cagliari preference,” Ribeiro told Radio Bandeirantes.

Ribeiro said his prime reason for wanting to return was family-motivated.

“Cagliari told me they wanted me there next season but I told them about my personal difficulties,” Ribeiro said.

“I am a long way from my daughter. I only see her at Christmas and in the June holidays which is not ideal. I conveyed this to the club and am now waiting for their response.”

Ribeiro currently belongs to Uruguay’s Rentistas, the club his agent Juan Figer uses to register his players.

Cagliari has the option of buying the former Bordeaux forward for $5 million before the end of the month.