No Rotterdam return for Tininho

Feyenoord have seen the last of Brazilian defender Tininho. The left-back, who stayed in his homeland after Christmas instead of returning for the winter training camp in Gran Canaria, will now spend the rest of the season on loan at América Futebol Clube.

'The class of Tininho'
His contract with the Rotterdam giants ends in the summer and it was unlikely that the club would have offered him a new one even if he had stayed. "He is taking a step back when it comes to his wages and told his agent over the phone that he did not want live like a parasite off Feyenoord,'' said general manager Jan Swart. "In that we recognise the class of Tininho who would not just stay in Brazil without notice. That is just not his style."

Lost his place
Tininho arrived in Rotterdam in 1998 from Brazilian side Associação Portuguesa de Desportis but lost his place in the first team to Tomasz Rzasa the following season. He was third choice behind the Pole and Ramon van Haaren this campaign and was unlikely to see much first-team action.