Every transfer window is different; the one just closed has been unique. Not because of the deals that were done, but because of those which have been blocked. For the first time ever, third parties have been excluded from acquiring players’ economic rights, not just throughout Europe but worldwide.

The final postcards from Brazil

Welcome to your Tuesday morning briefing. Let us ensure you’re up to speed on what’s happening and are prepared for the day ahead.

As I walked along the footpath outside Flamengo’s old ground in Rio yesterday, there was a sudden blaring of horns and sirens and I looked up to see the traffic swiftly parting to make way for a big security convoy: motorcycle outriders, a police car, a police jeep, two trucks full of soldiers, an ambulance and, slap bang in the middle, the Netherlands team coach.

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Former goalkeeper Bruno, once tipped for a place in Brazil’s World Cup squad, has been sentenced to 22 years and three months in prison for the murder of his ex-lover.

A former Brazilian football star said to have orchestrated the murder of his ex-girlfriend went on trial in a case that includes claims that the young model was lured to a ranch where she was held hostage, killed and her body dismembered.

The only predictable thing about Emelec’s late winner against Olimpia in the Copa Libertadores last week was that it was a Quinonez who scored it.

One of the great joys of South American competition is that nobody knows anything.

THERE’S something a little awkward about the Brazilian reverence for Neymar.

Former Brazil great Socrates, who captained Brazil at the 1982 World Cup, died today. He was 57.

Brazil legend Socrates has been admitted to hospital in a critical condition and placed on life-support, according to reports.

Brazilian side Flamengo have confirmed the signing of World Cup winner Ronaldinho from AC Milan.

Ronaldinho’s agent is confident the AC Milan playmaker with sign a three-year extension at the San Siro, thanks to help from the club’s new sponsors.

A STAR goalkeeper in Brazil is accused of ordering the murder of his ex-lover whose body parts were then fed to the dogs.

Ronaldinho has failed to make it into Brazil’s 23-man squad for the 2010 World Cup.

Brazil 2 Republic of Ireland 0

ROBINHO is set for a quick return to England, after the recently departed Manchester City striker was named in the Brazil squad for next month’s friendly against Ireland in London.

AC Milan playmaker Ronaldinho has not been included in the Brazil squad for next month’s friendly international against Republic of Ireland at Emirates Stadium.

Adriano’s agent flew into Italy today for talks with Inter Milan over the troubled Brazil striker.

Bolton have yet to make a decision on whether to sign former Brazil international Denilson despite suggestions to the contrary by the player’s brother and agent.

Inter Milan president Massimo Moratti is confident Adriano will remain at the Serie A club despite reported interest from Chelsea and Flamengo.

Former Brazil striker Ronaldo has revealed he could choose to retire rather than prolong his career after fighting back from a serious knee injury.

Brazilian forward Ronaldo has not ruled out a future partnership with Robinho at Manchester City but admits his first aim is to return to full fitness.

Brazilian forward Ronaldo will be fit to return in one month after recovering from a career-threatening knee injury sooner than anticipated.

Brazil legend Ronaldo claims there is still a possibility he could join Manchester City.

AC Milan striker Ronaldo has hinted that he wants to return to his homeland and play for Flamengo next year.

AC Milan striker Ronaldo admits he must be prepared for the worst after suffering a serious knee injury two weeks ago.

STEVEN REID has emerged as Ireland’s biggest injury worry ahead of tomorrow’s friendly with Brazil at Croke Park and, if his suspect knee fails to show significant improvement this morning, Don Givens will call up a replacement for the Blackburn Rovers midfielder.

Kaka will miss Brazil’s friendly against the Republic of Ireland in Dublin on Wednesday after pulling out of the squad with a knee injury.

Werder Bremen defender Naldo ended a miserable day on a high note after being called into the Brazil squad for the international friendly against Ireland on Wednesday night.

Brazilian giants Flamengo will make a firm offer for AC Milan striker Ronaldo in two weeks, a spokesman for the club has revealed.

AC Milan coach Carlo Ancelotti is confident Ronaldo will remain at the club despite an interest from Brazilian club Flamengo.

Brazilian giants Flamengo claim they have started negotiations to sign AC Milan striker Ronaldo.

Internazionale have dismissed speculation linking Brazil striker Adriano with a move away from the San Siro in the January transfer window.

Real Madrid have called a press conference for later today at which the club are expected to announce the appointment of Wanderley Luxemburgo as coach.

Juninho insists he is on the verge of completing his move to Celtic.

Juninho is set to become a Celtic player within the next 48 hours after undergoing a medical with the Parkhead club today.