Thiago Ribeiro leaves Cagliari for Santos

Santos have signed striker Thiago Ribeiro on a four-and-a-half-year deal from Serie A side Cagliari.

The 27-year-old scored nine goals in 68 for the Sardinians, signing a permanent deal with the club 12 months ago after a season-long loan from Uruguayan outfit Rentistas.

Ribeiro revealed the decision was motivated by family reasons, but also highlighted Cagliari’s recent stadium woes, which saw them unable to play in their Stadio Is Arenas home due to safety concerns.

“After more than two years with the Rossoblu, I leave Sardinia to return to Brazil and play with Santos,” he told the club’s official website.

“It’s a difficult decision, because I consider Cagliari an important team with special fans. To them I extend my best wishes.

“In Sardinia, I found love, respect and friendship from everyone: from the President (Massimo) Cellino, who always treated me with utmost respect, to team-mates, not to mention the technical staff as well.

“I go back to Brazil for family reasons, unfortunately, but my choice also is based on the issue of the stadium.

“For two seasons Cagliari did not have a home, a place to celebrate the victory with the fans. For a Brazilian like me this is all very sad. It is not my way of living football, which to me should be full of joy and cheerfulness.

“I will follow the fortunes of Cagliari, confident that this team will give fans much satisfaction.”