Rome - Dark clouds hung over Brazilian striker Adriano as he headed back to his home country for an anticipated winter break that may not be followed by a return to Inter Milan.

The Emperor, as he was dubbed in the days when he wreaked havoc among defences, was to land in Brazil on Monday after leaving the Italian champions a week ahead of schedule with the official explanation of a muscular injury.

As virtually no commentator bought the excuse, coach Jose Mourinho said he expects the 26-year-old forward to rejoin the team when training resumes on January 2.

"Adriano goes to Brazil because it's easier to heal with 40 degrees rather than with the four of Milan," Mourinho said at the weekend. "He will thus stay away from all that has been said these days."

Asked if there was nothing beside the injury, however, Mourinho added: "If I were him, I'd consider if it's better to stay here with his current image, or change venue."

Adriano's image and performances have deteriorated constantly in the past three years, during which he has become a faint shadow of the powerful striker that delighted the Serie A fans.

Since Inter bought him from Brazil side Flamengo in 2001, he played three good seasons with Fiorentina and Parma before returning to Inter in 2004.

His scoring average remained impressive, peaking at 28 goals from 42 games in the 2004-05 season.

But it fell abruptly in early 2006.

Drinking problems began to haunt the Emperor, worsening his relationship with the club and then coach Roberto Mancini, who twice granted him long periods of rest and rehabilitation in Brazil.

Things did not improve when Mourinho arrived at Inter last summer, with the Portuguese coach often reacting angrily at the player's lack of discipline.

Voices of Adriano's departure gathered steam as the transfer window of January approaches. Inter are said to be keen on Chelsea striker Didier Drogba and could consider Adriano a valid pawn in a possible deal. Mourinho knows Drogba from his time as Chelsea manager.

Market director Marco Branca, however, said on Monday in a Radio 1 show that Inter have no plans to hire Drogba.

With names like Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Julio Cruz, Hernan Crespo, plus the young promises Victor Obinna and Mario Balotelli, there seems to be no lack of attacking power for Mourinho.

An in-form Adriano certainly would not hurt, but all his fans can hope is that the Emperor decides to stop hurting himself. (dpa)