Renato Augusto heading back to Brazil
Leverkusen – Champions League hopefuls Bayer 04 Leverkusen are bidding farewell to midfielder , who is returning to Brazil to play for freshly-crowned FIFA Club World Cup holders Corinthians on a contract effective from 1 January 2013.
"New start in Brazil"
The skilful playmaker joined Bayer from CR Flamengo in 2008 and turned out 101 times for them in the Bundesliga, scoring nine goals. This season however, a succession of injury problems has restricted him to just six league appearances, all off the bench.
"Renato's gifted us a lot of special moments in his time at Leverkusen. Even though the last few months have been difficult due to these various injuries, we'll only have good memories of him. He's played a big part in our club's recent progress," said sporting director Rudi Völler.
Bayer 04 CEO Wolfgang Holzhäuser commented, "Renato's Brazilian to the core and he's missed his home country. We decided a new start in Brazil makes a lot of sense, casting an eye ahead to the 2014 World Cup finals. He'll have the chance there to get right back in the frame for the national team. And in that venture, we wish him the absolute best."
