Qingdao Jonnon deny Adriano will join club

Soccer club Qingdao Jonnon has denied reports that Brazilian striker Adriano will join the team in the coming season.

The 31-year-old was linked to the Chinese side on Monday. However, Tan Xu, deputy general manager of the club, told the Jinan Times it had given up on the deal due to the Brazilian’s poor physical condition.

"We made contact with Adriano, but his physical condition is not suitable for play," Tan said. "Moreover, the Chinese league’s transfer window will close on Thursday and we cannot finish the deal in such a short time."

Adriano was hailed for his performances at Italian club Internazionale in 2004-05. However, he later suffered a slump in form.

He returned to Brazilian club Flamengo in 2012, but failed to win an extension when his contract expired at the end of the year.