Missing Brazilian striker Adriano has apparently been found, with his agent assuring worried parties that he’s safe in the care of family in Rio de Janeiro, but a statement from the Brazilian soccer federation referred to the 27-year-old going through a “difficult time” that most likely means he won’t be returning to Inter Milan and his Serie A team any time soon.
Back in his homeland for a 3-0 World Cup qualifying win over Peru on April 1, Adriano missed his flight back to Italy and was reportedly unreachable for more than 24 hours, causing media outlets to make speculations about his whereabouts that included everything from a kidnapping to a suicide attempt to late-night partying in the slums where he grew up.
According to the latest from Terra Esportes, friends of the star have suggested that a recent breakup with girlfriend Joana Machado could be to blame for erratic behavior, saying that his family “asked his former flame to come visit the striker to help change his mood, but she refused.”