Ex-Fulham midfielder Ruiz returns to Alajuelense

SAN JOSE - Costa Rica international midfielder Bryan Ruiz has returned to his original club Alajuelense, less than two weeks after leaving Brazil's Santos.

Alajuelense, one of Costa Rica's most successful clubs, confirmed the move in a Twitter post on Thursday, without providing details of the contract.

In a virtual news conference, Ruiz said he plans to represent Alajuelense until at least 2022, when he hopes to be included in Costa Rica's national squad for the FIFA World Cup in Qatar.

"I'm going back to where it all started, to the team that opened their doors for me," Ruiz, said who hasn't played a competitive match since 2018.

"This is where I feel at home and it's always been a priority. I'm going to give my all for the club and I'm just looking forward to playing again."

Ruiz rescinded his contract with Santos after just 14 matches in two years. He has also launched legal action against the club, alleging contractual breaches related to outstanding wages and moral damages for not having played since 2018. Santos have denied any wrongdoing.

The 34-year-old has been capped 125 times for Costa Rica's national team in a career that has also included spells at Fulham and PSV Eindhoven, among other clubs.