Adriano, who started his professional career at Flamengo, became a free agent on Monday, after his contract with Corinthians was terminated by mutual consent.
The 33-year olds departure at the Timão was due to the fact that the Paulista club grew out of patience with the forward’s lack of commitment to get back to full fitness, following an Achilles injury he picked up last April.
Nethertheless, Santana has praised Adriano’s ability, branding the attacker as an idol.
”In football anything can happen. He’s an idol – an Emperor,” the former South Africa coach told Lance.
”For what he did, he won the Brazilian league title for the club, he’s a different player.
”We have to be careful when we talk about him, because he is an idol. We learnt to admire him. We have to be calm. Nothing has happened yet. I know nothing yet.”
