Brazilian bows out at Riverside

Brazil international Ricardinho has been allowed to leave Middlesbrough without playing a single senior game for the club.

The 27-year-old midfielder, who has 11 caps for his country, was brought in on a short-term contract from Sao Paulo during the January transfer window as cover for injuries and suspensions.

Manager Steve McClaren hoped the South American might have a similar impact to that of compatriot Doriva, who joined the club 12 months earlier on a similar basis and went on to win a permanent deal and a regular place in the side which lifted the Carling Cup back in February.

However, the former Corinthians player was not match fit when he arrived and by the time he was ready to play McClaren’s selection problems had abated.

The Brazilian made the match squad only once, when he was an unused substitute in the 0-0 Barclaycard Premiership draw at Chelsea on April 10.

“He was brought in, in January as cover,” said McClaren. “We had quite a few injuries then and we felt that we might need him.

“It was a little bit like the Doriva situation a season ago where we brought him in and he came through and he did well for us, and he’s done well for us since.

“We thought that might happen with Ricardinho but unfortunately we started a good run in January and midfield players came into form.

“We also had the added bonus of Bolo Zenden moving into the centre of midfield, which solved the problem because Jonathan Greening was out.

“Jonathan Greening got fit, so the competition came again and really the team played that well that he couldn’t force his way in.

“It was with reluctance really that we’ve both agreed that he should further his career elsewhere.”