Former Brazil, Inter Milan striker Adriano signs for NPSL’s Miami United
Former Brazil and Inter Milan striker Adriano has signed for Miami United FC of the NPSL, the club announced.
Adriano, 33, has been largely out of soccer since 2011, when he left Roma. The TelegraphreportsAdriano hopes to use his spell with the American fourth-tier team to find a home in Major League Soccer.
“We have been in negotations for two to three months with his agent and he needed to go far from Brazil,” club president Roberto Sacca told The Telegraph. “His mother and family want him far from Brazil and all the distractions there and he thought Miami United would be a good fit for him when we made the offer. It is far from distraction and pressure – here there is no pressure. He has already lost a lot of weight – around 18 pounds – so he’s ready to play. We’re really excited to see him play.
“He was one of the best No. 9’s in the world and, without pressure he can do a great job for Miami United and then go to MLS. He wants to go there. He is still young, he is only 33 and if he plays at 25% of how he was, he can play in MLS with his blind eyes.”
Adriano briefly appeared with Brazil’s Atletico Paranaense in 2014 before being released. He has battled injuries, weight gain and off-field issues in recent years, following a decorated run with Inter Milan in the 2000s. Adriano won four Serie A titles there, and also starred for the Brazilian national team in his prime, scoring 27 goals in 48 matches and appearing in the 2006 World Cup.
His new contract reportedly gives him 40% of any merchandising revenue he brings to Miami United. He will arrive in Miami at the start of March.
