Leverkusen´s Renato Augusto returns to Brazil

Bayer Leverkusen have confirmed the transfer of Brazilian midfielder Renato Augusto to Corinthians after a four-year spell at the BayArena.

The 24-year-old has found it difficult to break into the Bundesliga club’s first team over the last couple of years due to fitness and form issues, and has decided to return to his homeland.

“Renato gave us many moments of great football,” Leverkusen sporting director told the club’s official website.

“Even though the past few months have been difficult for the various injuries he suffered, we will cherish the memories. He played a very important role in the positive development of our club.”

Meanwhile, managing director Wolfgang Holzhauser believes that the player missed his country, and feels that he could break into the Brazil set-up in time for the 2014 World Cup.

“Renato is a Brazilian and missed his home. We believe that a new start in Brazil makes sense. Thinking about the World Cup, he could become an option for Brazil. We wish him the best,” he said.

The switch will become official on January 1, the start of the winter transfer window.

Augusto previously played for Flamengo before moving to Germany.