Rio de Janeiro, July 6 (IANS) Brazilian club Figueirense has confirmed the signing of veteran Uruguay international Loco Abreu.
Abreu was released by Rio de Janeiro outfit Botafogo after telling the club he was unhappy about being used as a substitute, reported Xinhua.
Botafogo confirmed the termination of his contract Thursday and within hours the 35-year-old striker had signed with Figueirense.
“This is a present to all the club’s fans,” Figueirense president Nestor Lodetti said.
“Several other clubs also showed interest in contracting him but now he is ours.”
Abreu arrived at Botafogo in 2010 and quickly became a fan favourite after leading the club to the Campeonato Carioca title the same year.
But he lost his regular starting spot under coach Oswaldo de Oliveira earlier this season. He reportedly told the club’s hierarchy he was concerned about the impact of his new bit-part role on his international career.
The former Deportivo La Coruna and Real Sociedad star has scored 26 goals from 68 internationals for Uruguay.
