Guangzhou Evergrande striker Cléo has been linked with a move to fellow Chinese Super League side Jiangsu Sainty in recent days, but has told reporters he hopes to return to Brazil.
Cléo, 27, has played in China since 2010 and, although he spoke of his liking for the country, would like to return home after several years in Europe and Asia.
The striker had been first-choice for Marcello Lippi’s double-winning side, but has fallen out of first-team contention with the high-value arrival of Paraguayan Lucas Barrios.
With the Chinese authorities also lowering the club’s foreign player allowance from seven to five for the 2013 season, Cléo will likely leave the club and is considering the options for his next move.
“I have a two year contract with the club, but I am not sure I will be staying. The coach, Lippi, has spoken with the chairman. They understand my situation,” Cléo told Serbia’s Sportal media outlet.
“I will look at the situation and maybe I’ll leave. There is a long time until the end of the transfer window. In the world of football, you never know what will happen.
“My first choice is to go back to Brazil. It’s my country and the Brasileirão is strengthening, I would be honoured to play for the clubs there and I would like to go back.
“I have a few enquiries from Brazil. I can’t reveal names. I have a contract with Evergrande, so I can’t talk publically. They come from many teams in many cities.”
Source: Sina 新浪
