Ronaldinho open to Adriano arrival

Ronaldinho has called former Brazil team-mate Adriano as a “great player” and believes he would be a welcome inclusion at Flamengo.

The decline of the ex-Inter hitman was only further highlighted by his release from Corinthians earlier in March due to personal struggles off the field.

Nevertheless, Ronaldinho would still bring him back to the birthplace of his football career.

“I still do not really know what is going on, but all (the media) is talking about it,” Ronaldinho told Lancenet.

“Adriano is Adriano, but he is a great player who on the pitch would benefit any club in the world.”

Vice-president Paulo Cesar Coutinho echoed the World Cup winner’s sentiments to Radio Brasil: “He (Adriano) can count on us for what he needs. He can train here, be treated by physiotherapists, doctors, nutritionists and even psychologists.

“I have not spoken with Patricia (Amorim, Flamengo president) yet, but nothing will be done as long as he does not contact us. However, if he does and shows us commitment, he may be on the agenda of future meetings.”

However, Coutinho was quick to add that the club have not partaken in any talks with Adriano, nor are they currently interested in looking to snap up new players.

“We are not thinking about reinforcements right now, including Adriano,” he said.

“We want to get the best out of the stars who have made themselves at home here, but as a fan, I’m very fond of Adriano and have a desire to help him get back onto the pitch.”

Adriano has played for Flamengo in two previous spells; his last between 2009 and 2010, where he scored 19 goals in 31 league appearances.