Rodrigo returns to Madrid

Club Atlético de Madrid have signed Brazilian midfield player Rodrigo Fabri on a free transfer from Real Madrid CF.

Loan spells
Rodrigo joined Madrid in the summer of 1998 from AA Portuguesa de Desportos but did not make a single appearance for the club. He returned to Brazil in 1998 to play on loan with CA Flamengo, before subsequent 12-month spells with Real Valladolid and Sporting Clube de Portugal. He has spent the last three seasons loan at Brazilian side Grêmio FBPA.

Valladolid link
Atlético coach Gregorio Manzano was in charge at Valladolid during Rodrigo's sole season in Spain when he scored eight goals in 29 appearances, and he is happy to be reunited with his former trainer.

'A great coach'
"Manzano is a good person and a great coach," he said. "Atlético are working very purposefully and great work is being done. I am proud to play here. I always wanted to return to Spain. Atlético were the best option because of their history and their supporters. I expect to succeed with Spain's third biggest club."