Schalke midfielder Ze Roberto looks set to join Flamengo on loan.
Brazilian to return to homeland
Schalke midfielder Ze Roberto looks set to join Flamengo on loan.
The 28-year-old Brazilian joined the Royal Blues from Botafogo in January 2008, but has made only three appearances for the Bundesliga outfit in his time in Gelsenkirchen.
He has made it clear that he wishes to kick-start his career elsewhere and Brazilian media reports claim that he has agreed personal terms for a six-month loan deal with Flamengo.
Both clubs now have to work out the conditions and the fee involved, but it would appear unlikely that Schalke will be looking to keep a player who has proven to be one of 2008's biggest transfer flops in the Bundesliga.
Schalke general manager Andreas Muller has confirmed that he is in discussions with Flamengo officials.
"We are talking to Flamengo about a loan deal," Muller told
Bild.
It is thought an agreement has been put in place whereby Flamengo will pay Schalke £1.75million should they wish to make Ze Roberto's loan stay a permanent arrangement.
Ze Roberto is currently AWOL from Schalke having failed to return to Germany following the Bundesliga winter break.
Angered at a lack of first-team football, Ze Roberto feels it would benefit neither party should he be prevented from leaving.
"I do not intend to drain Schalke's pocket and see out my contract with them.
"I know it was wrong not to return to Germany without making an arrangement with Schalke. I will accept a fine but I will definitely not be going back."
