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Defender quits Gunners

Image: Pedro Botelho: Will turn out for Atletico Paranaense next season after sealing a move away from Arsenal

Brazilian defender Pedro Botelho has expressed his relief after completing a move from Arsenal back to Atletico Paranaense in his homeland.

Botelho leaves club without playing a game

Brazilian defender Pedro Botelho has expressed his relief after completing a move from Arsenal back to Atletico Paranaense in his homeland. The 22-year-old moved to the Emirates Stadium from Figueirense in 2007 but was immediately loaned out to Spanish side Salamanca in a bid to secure a work permit. Further spells at Celta, Cartegena and Rayo Vallecano followed, with the most recent loan deal taking him to Levante during the second half of last season. The full-back has now returned to Brazil on a permanent deal, leaving the Gunners without making a first-team appearance. "It was about time I returned to Brazilian football," he told the club's official website. "I'm still too young and I want to know Brazilian football as I barely played here."