Corinthians confirms deal with striker Adriano

SAO PAULO  Corinthians has confirmed that it has signed former AS Roma striker Adriano.

The Brazilian club didn't release details of the deal but published a photo of Adriano holding a Corinthians jersey on its website.

Adriano helped Flamengo win the 2009 Brazilian league but played sparingly with Roma on his return last year to European football, where he also previously played for Inter Milan, Fiorentina and Parma.

His contract with Roma was cut short earlier this month by mutual agreement.

Adriano gave an exclusive interview to Globo TV late Sunday saying Ronaldo, who recently retired from Corinthians, was crucial in convincing him to reach a deal with the club, Brazil's second most popular behind Flamengo.

"Ronaldo helped me a lot," the 29-year-old Adriano said. "He told me to join (Corinthians), said that I would like it a lot. I'm following in the footsteps of a player who means a lot to me, who has always given me advice."

Ronaldo became one of Corinthians biggest idols after helping the club win the Sao Paulo state tournament and the Brazilian Cup in 2009. He retired earlier this year, saying his body couldn't keep up anymore.

Adriano was Ronaldo's teammate at the 2006 World Cup, when Brazil was eliminated by France in the quarterfinals. Despite helping Flamengo win the Brazilian league two years ago, his stint in Brazilian football at the time was marked by a series of off the field problems that led to missed practices and missed matches.

This time Adriano is saying he will do his possible to behave.

"Corinthians won't regret this," he said. "I want to be playing again, I can't stand not playing."

Adriano's main goal when he returned to Brazil was to play for Flamengo again, but coach Vanderlei Luxemburgo and team directors said they were not interested in the player. Fans wanted him and chanted his name during Flamengo's 3-3 draw with Madureira in the Rio Cup on Sunday.

Corinthians supporters, on the other hand, remain skeptical, and many protested against club directors who worked to bring the player to the club. Several other Brazilian clubs had already said they were not going to try to sign Adriano, saying it would be too great a risk.

Adriano is expected to be officially introduced to Corinthians fans on Tuesday, the same day rival Sao Paulo is set to present former Sevilla striker Luis Fabiano.

Corinthians lost 2-1 to Sao Paulo in the Sao Paulo state championship on Sunday, when opposing goalkeeper Rogerio Ceni scored his 100th career goal. Corinthians hadn't lost to Sao Paulo in 11 matches, since 2007.

Adriano won't be allowed to play in the Sao Paulo tournament, but he will be available for the Brazilian league, which starts in May.

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