Heartbroken Adriano stays in Brazil

Brazilian striker Adriano, who is battling depression after a failed love affair, said Thursday that he is not planning a speedy return to Inter Milan.

“I’m not planning an immediate return to Italy. I’ll be unhappy there,” the 27-year-old told a news conference.

“I need to think about my career. I’m not happy in Italy. I am here in Brazil with my family and friends.”

Adriano has been the subject of wild speculation in the Brazilian press this week including having been the victim of kidnapping and even gunned down in a shooting.

His ex-fiancee Joana Machado told reporters that the player had been depressed after their break-up.

Adriano is expected to forfeit his estimated monthly pay of 400,000 euros as a result of his absence from Inter Milan, the Italian champions.