Roma bring Adriano back to Italy

AS Roma have announced the signing of Brazil striker Adriano from CR Flamengo on a free transfer.

The former FC Internazionale Milano forward, 28, has signed a three-year deal with Roma. Nicknamed 'l'Imperatore' – the Emperor – Adriano arrived in Italy for the first time in 2001, signing for Inter and going on to score 48 goals in 123 Serie A appearances.

However, he spent much of his stint in Milan on loan to other clubs, including ACF Fiorentina, Parma FC and São Paulo FC, eventually returning to his first club Flamengo last year after ending his contract with the Nerazzurri by mutual consent. In his first season back in his homeland, he helped the Brazilian club win the national title with 19 goals in 32 games. He has also struck 27 times in 47 senior appearances for the Seleção, but is not in Dunga's FIFA World Cup squad in South Africa.

Roma captain Francesco Totti said: "I want to give the Emperor a warm welcome to Rome. We will do everything possible to help him feel at home. We have a few Brazilian players in the squad and I'm sure they will help Adriano adapt quickly. I'm sure he will show us all the qualities we know he has, and together we can achieve great results." Roma will play in the UEFA Champions League group stage next season after finishing second in Serie A.