Ricardo Oliveira has admitted he could return to Brazil after seemingly spurning the chance to join Al Wasl from Arabian Gulf League rivals Al Jazira.
The former AC Milan and Valencia striker has been de-registered by Jazira in the wake of Felipe Caicedo’s move to the capital and appeared to be on the verge of joining Hector Cuper’s side in Dubai.
However, Oliveira was back in training at the Mohammed bin Zayed Stadium yesterday and later told Lancenet.com that he was considering a return to his homeland, with Sao Paulo.
The 33-year-old has enjoyed two previous loan spells with the Tricolor, the last coming in 2010. “To play again in Brazil is a possibility, but I also have other conversations. I’ll think with my family and decide what is best for us.”
Oliveira still has 18 months to run on the contract extension he signed in 2012, however, Jazira are willing to let the former Brazil international leave on a free transfer.
The Brazilian scored 95 goals in 118 domestic league and cup games for the Pride of Abu Dhabi and was an integral part of the side that won the club’s first ever league title in 2011.
Meanwhile, Bani Yas have ruled out a move for Melbourne Victory’s Australia international Mark Milligan in January. Earlier this week, Victory confirmed on their website that they had received an offer from an “overseas club” for their captain.
Bani Yas were close to signing Milligan last summer, but a spokesman last night confirmed to Sport360° that while the club had indeed made another offer, it had since been withdrawn following the signing of Sebastian Prediger.
Al Samawi retain an interest in the 26-times capped Socceroo but the board have decided to put their faith in loanee Abdulsalam Al Mukhaini until the season’s end.
