A notable boost for Palmeiras in 2019, Luis Adriano was involved in the club’s campaign that resulted in back-to-back Libertadores wins, led by Abel Ferreira. However, the 34-year-old striker is no longer part of the Portuguese coach’s plans this season.

With a contract for another year, and putting the coach away from the main team, Luiz Adriano, Friday, issued a statement to address the situation.

Read the statement:

“I came through this to deny the various news concerning my name.

I have been training at Palmeiras since I came in pre-season and, as is consistent with the trend, doing my job every day with the same professionalism that has always guided my career.

I did not ask to leave the club, and contrary to what was stated, respecting the decision of the guidance and the technical committee, I did not ask to be returned to the Palmeiras squad, the club with which I concluded a contract until 2023, and I am ready to fulfill it until the end, with the same desire and ambition that it was upon my arrival.

In connection with speculation and opinion polls, it is my agent, Junior Mendoza, who is authorized to act on my behalf. My focus is now on training hard every day, as I did even on my leave, and remaining ready, in my full state, to perform my profession.”