Magath laments Brazilian's exit

Wolves boss wanted Marcelinho stay

Last updated: 19th August 2008

Marcelinho Wolfsburg

Marcelinho: Back in Brazil

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Wolfsburg boss Felix Magath says he is sorry that Marcelinho has left the club for Flamengo.

The Brazilian midfielder has returned to his home country on a €1million deal just a few days before the start of the new Bundesliga season and Magath says his absence will be difficult to overcome at the VW Arena.

"His surprising departure is a huge loss for us and for the Bundesliga," Magath told Bild.

"Marcelinho was our captain and did a lot for the club both on and off the pitch.

"We wouldn't have qualified for the Uefa Cup without Marcelinho. He was outstanding last season and played a major role in us avoiding relegation the year before that."

Magath has yet to comment on a possible replacement for the Brazilian, although Bild speculates that he could be interested in former Hertha Berlin player Mineiro as well as Galatasaray's Lincoln.