Flamengo confirm Adriano departure

Flamengo director of football Zinho has confirmed that former Brazil striker Adriano has departed the club.

The 30-year-old has triggered a clause in his contract allowing him to leave the Brazilian club and Zinho has criticised the striker's motives.

"I wanted Adriano to be here and talking to you. I would have liked to talk to him and know why he made the decision to terminate his contract, but he was concerned with personal issues, outside football," he told reporters.

"I am upset with what happened, I think he is wasting a great moment of his life. As Flamengo director of football, he does not have my support."

Adriano stated: "I can affirm that in 2013 I will be ready to play again, but I still do not know if it will be in Rio de Janeiro.

"I gave a lot of thought to this after talking to friends and my family and I reached the conclusion that the best thing to do is to return only in 2013. I made this decision not only for me, but for Flamengo too."

Adriano has been dogged by injury problems in recent seasons.