Thiago Ribeiro has left Cagliari to return to his native Brazil and sign a four-year deal at Santos.
The 27-year-old striker moved to Sardinia on a permanent deal last summer after spending the previous campaign on loan from Uruguayan outfit Rentistas.
However, Ribeiro is now set return to his homeland, after revealing family reasons have motivated him to leave Serie A behind.
“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."
Ribeiro scored nine goals in 68 appearances for Cagliari and is seen as an alternative to Robinho, after the Peixe gave up their attempts to sign the Milan forward earlier this month.
He has previously played for São Paulo and Cruzerio in Brazil, making more than 100 appearances during two seasons for the latter.
