Adriano signs for Flamengo

Brazilian giants Flamengo have unveiled controversial striker Adriano as their new signing at a press conference this evening.

The 27-year-old returns to the Rio de Janeiro side, where he made his playing debut in 2000, a year before moving to Inter Milan.

Adriano, who had his contract with Inter terminated last month after he announced he wanted to take a break from football, is Flamengo's biggest signing ahead of the Campeonato Brasileiro's kick-off this weekend.

He has signed a one-year contract which finishes on May 30, 2010, thanks to a partnership contract with an unnamed sponsor.

Adriano claimed that being with his family was the best remedy for his recent personal problems.

He said: 'I've been close to my friends, my family and kids. When you are close to the people who love you and want the best for you, (recovery) comes soon.

'I talked to the Inter president (Massimo Moratti) and he was happy for me. Nothing beats being back at Flamengo.

'I am back home, where I grew up. I always wanted to be back, close to my family and the fans who watched me grow up. I want to win titles and improve my form. I want to be close to my country and the Brazilian people. I am very happy.

'I did not quit Inter because of the club, but the country. Inter are great and everybody loves me, but I made a choice in my life. I did it from the bottom of my heart and not for taking profit from that. I made a choice and it is Flamengo.

'I've always been a person who likes laughing, having fun, and that was not happening in Italy. It changed a lot in Brazil. People on the streets told me they liked my attitude.'

Flamengo are making their Campeonato Brasileiro debut with a trip to Cruzeiro on Sunday and Adriano is not expected to play.

'I will be checked out this week. I have no return date predicted,' he said.

'I think I would be ready to make my debut in early June. I stopped training for a month but I am fine. I did not lose my physical form.

'The Campeonato Brasileiro will be great. It has a number of big players such as Ronaldo at Corinthians or Fred at Fluminense.

'I hope I can play a good tournament for Flamengo and win the title.'

Adriano is anxiously waiting to prove coach Cuca that he is physically ready to feature in the near future.

He continued: 'Firstly, I want to book my place in the starting XI. I've been watching Flamengo and I hope I can join the squad soon.'

'I am motivated and I hope the coach will give me a chance. I must gain my place in the team. Then, Cuca should chose who my attacking mate will be.'

Adriano also admitted he made mistakes in Italy.

'I made clear that I would play again only when my self-esteem was up,' he revealed. 'The physical form can be recovered soon.

'Regarding my weight, I don't have any problem losing some. I am not too much overweight. I only think of training and playing well. I know I made mistakes as a player and in my private life.

The former Fiorentina and Parma attacker, who had a six-month loan spell at Sao Paulo last year, admitted Ronaldo's good form at Corinthians might restrict his international chances.

'Nowadays, my place in the national team is small. The doors have been closed a little bit, but I think I can come back. I can rediscover my form.

'Ronaldo is a very strong rival and I truly hope he can keep that form and score goals. The coaching staff knows what I can do. Being back to the national team is up to me.'

Even though the transfer window is closed until July, Adriano will be able to play immediately because he was a free agent.

'Flamengo are free to sign the player as he was theoretically unemployed when he was signed by Flamengo,' Marcos Motta, a lawyer specialist on international sport rights, told Radio Brasil.