Brandao back at Marseille

Marseille striker Brandao says he is happy to be back in France after completing a year-long loan in his native Brazil.

The 31-year-old enjoyed stints at Cruzeiro and Gremio during his spell away from Ligue 1 outfit Marseille, but the Marseille has now elected to recall the striker.

The absence of striker Jordan Ayew due to 2012 Africa Cup of Nations duty with Ghana leaves the Marseille short up front, contributing to Didier Deschamps’ decision to summon Brandao back to the club.

And Brandao – who faces rape charges in France from an incident in Aix-en-Provence, near Marseille, last March – revealed he was pleased to be back in Marseille’s plans.

“Everything is agreed, I am returning to Marseille. I am delighted to be back,” he told L’Equipe on Monday.

The striker signed for Marseille in 2009 after seven years with Shakhtar Donetsk. He helped the Marseille to a domestic double in 2009/10, lifting the Ligue 1 and Coupe de la Ligue titles.