Adriano returns to Flamengo following decision to continue career

Troubled Flamengo striker Adriano has returned to training after making the decision to continue playing professional football.

The 30-year-old showed up at the club and joined his teammates on Tuesday, just a day after he received his third warning for missing a training session.

Reports on Monday had suggested that he was considering quitting the game after missing training once more on Saturday, but the former Inter Milan striker made an overnight decision to return to Flamengo and continue his career.

The club's sporting director, Zinho, has now stated that the player will not return to the first team until he is physically and mentally ready.

He said: "I am concerned first for the man, because I do not know what could happen with Adriano in the case that he quit playing football.

"After that, of course, I would like the see Adriano playing for Flamengo again."

The talented striker's career has been marked by off-the-field problems as he made headlines in the past for an alleged drinking problem, a public altercation with a girlfriend and a police investigation for alleged ties to drug lords in the shantytown where he grew up.

Flamengo took a chance when signing the former club star in August, following his release from Corinthians due to a lack of commitment.  

The former Seleção star has not played football for six months, after undergoing surgery on his left achilles that has left him requiring physical conditioning.

He is also taking part in psychological treatment, upon the request of the club, as he attempts to revive his career.