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Adriano says he is happy again in Brazil

ADRIANO'S break from football is over.

The striker was officially introduced by Flamengo yesterday, saying he regained his happiness in Brazil and he didn't try to trick Inter Milan into releasing him after he deserted the Italian club.

"I didn't leave because I wasn't feeling good at the club, I wasn't feeling good in the country," Adriano said. "Inter is an exceptional club. I didn't do this to try to take advantage. I did it from my heart."

The 27-year-old Adriano came to Brazil for a World Cup qualifier on April 1 and never returned to Inter Milan. Later he said he needed to take a break from football because he was unhappy in Italy, and Inter eventually released him.

"I took a break to rest a little and get things going in my life again," Adriano said. "Today I'm a lot happier. I was able to regain my happiness. I'm close to my family, my sons, and when you are close to the people who like you, things happen fast."

Adriano was signed by Brazil's most popular club until May 2010. Financial details were not released, but local media said a sponsor will pay for two-thirds of the striker's salary.

He will undergo exams on Monday before beginning his preparation to return to action. Club officials say he is expected to debut with the five-time national champion near the end of the month.

"My intention is to return in condition to do my best on the field," said Adriano, who hasn't played since March 11 with Inter Milan.

A member of Brazil's World Cup team in 2006, Adriano said he hopes Flamengo will help him maintain a spot in the national team.

"It's going to depend on my performance," he said. "I have a good relationship with coach Dunga and I'm sure that returning to Flamengo will give me a chance to play in the national team again."

Flamengo was Adriano's first team as a professional before he transferred to Inter Milan in 2001. He played on loan with Fiorentina, Parma and Brazil's Sao Paulo after that.




 

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