Adriano willing to keep playing, according to agent
Rome - The agent of troubled footballer Adriano has said that the striker has no intention of quitting playing despite his refusal to rejoin Inter Milan, Italian media reported. Gilmar Rinaldi arrived Tuesday in Milan to discuss Adriano's futuer with the Italian champions as he remained in Brazil after being in the national squad for two 2010 World Cup qualifiers at the end of March.
"I think he will resume playing," Rinaldi said. "He needs time to reflect and take a decision. He is quiet in Rio (de Janeiro) with his family. Now we wait to talk with Inter."
Adriano, 27, failed to board a scheduled flight for Italy on April 3 and did not communicate his decision to his agent and Inter.
His absence triggered rumours that he had been arrested for being in a party with some wanted criminals and even that he had been killed.
Rinaldi, who last week dismissed all rumours, said the matter should be addressed with calm and serenity and denied that Adriano received offers from other clubs.
"There is a team, Inter, who hold a contract (until June 2010) and who six years ago brought Adriano to Italy (from Flamengo) and for whom there has to be some respect," the agent said.
"I have to talk with them, explain everything and then evaluate the matter."
Adriano is said to have suffered from alcohol problems and depression over the past two years, during which Inter allowed him periods of rest in Brazil.(dpa)