Ex-Shandong Luneng striker Tardelli returns to Atletico Mineiro

RIO DE JANEIRO - Former Shandong Luneng striker Diego Tardelli has rejoined his former club Atletico Mineiro for the 2020 season, the Brazilian Serie A club said on Wednesday.

The 34-year-old Brazilian arrives as a free agent, having parted ways with Gremio after just one season last month.

"The good son is coming home," Atletico president Sergio Sette said in a Twitter post. "You (the fans) asked for it and we've brought him back."

It will be Tardelli's third spell at Atletico, following previous stints with the Belo Horizonte club from 2009 to 2011 and 2013 to 2014. He was a key member of the Ronaldinho-inspired Atletico team that won the 2013 Copa Libertadores.

Tardelli, who has been capped 14 times for Brazil's national team, has struggled with injuries and poor form since leaving Shandong Luneng at the end of 2018.

He managed just four goals in 29 league appearances for Gremio last year after netting 41 times in 73 Chinese Super League matches for Shandong Luneng from 2015 to 2018.

Atletico Mineiro are currently coached by Rafael Dudamel, who was appointed in January after quitting as Venezuela national team boss.