Juan heads back to Brazil

Brazilian defender Juan has ended his five-year association with Roma after returning to his homeland on a two-year contact with Internacional

Juan: Goes back home

The 33-year-old still had 12 months to run on his deal at the Stadio Olimpico, but decided to take up the offer to play for The Red in the Brazilian top-flight next season.

Juan made 144 appearances for the Giallorossi, scoring 11 goals, and he admits he will always treasure his time in the Eternal City.

“There are cycles in football and mine at Roma was beautiful,” the former Brazil international told Gazzetta dello Sport.

“I’ll always carry the fans and my team-mates in my heart who were always very respectful to me. I’ll leave with my head held high as I always did my best and I’m proud of that.”

Juan started his career back home with Flamengo before making the switch to Europe in 2002 with Bayer Leverkusen, where he also spent five seasons until Roma brought him to Italy in 2007.