Flamengo director Zinho confirms Adriano exit

Nov 7, 2012 2:35:00 PM

The former Inter striker has called time on his third spell at the club, but claims that he may return to the game in the new year

Flamengo director of football Zinho has announced that Adriano no longer wants to represent the club.

The former Brazil international decided to trigger a clause in his contract that stated he could leave Engenhao on a free transfer should he miss three training or physiotherapy sessions.

A video of the 30-year-old giving a speech at a nightclub surfaced on the internet over the weekend, and Zinho believes that the player prized other aspects of his life over football at a press conference on Tuesday.

"I wanted Adriano to be here and talking to you [press]. I would have liked to talk to him and know why he made the decision to terminate his contract, but he was concerned with personal issues, outside football," he told reporters.

"I am upset with what happened, I think he is wasting a great moment of his life. As Flamengo director of football, he does not have my support."

Meanwhile, the player himself released a statement claiming he will not return to football until the new year.

"I can affirm that in 2013 I will be ready to play again, but I still do not know if it will be in Rio de Janeiro," the statement read.

"I gave a lot of thought to this after talking to friends and my family and I reached the conclusion that the best thing to do is to return only in 2013.

"I made this decision not only for me, but for Flamengo too."

The former Inter man is currently recovering from ankle problem and did not make a single appearance for Fla since rejoining in August.

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