Juninho returns to Vasco

Rio de Janeiro: Former Lyon and Brazil international midfielder Juninho Pernambucano has agreed to rejoin Vasco da Gama until the end of the season.

Speculation has surrounded the future of the 38-year-old since his shock departure from New York Red Bulls earlier this month, reports Xinhua. "My intention was to stop playing when I rescinded my contract in the United States. When (president) Roberto Dinamite called me asking that I came back, I decided to collaborate, at least until the end of the season," Juninho said on Friday. Juninho, who played in each of Lyon`s seven consecutive Ligue 1 titles from 2002 to 2008, quit New York after just six months at the Major League Soccer (MLS) club, citing differences with Coach Mike Petke. The free-kick specialist has said a key factor in his decision to leave Vasco in 2012 December was the Rio de Janeiro club`s failure to pay wages on time. It is understood Juninho has agreed to play for nothing under the condition he receives monthly instalments of $230,000, owed in unpaid wages from his previous contract with the Rio club. Vasco have already registered the veteran with Brazil`s Football Confederation (CBF) and hope he is available for the club`s July 21 clash against Fluminense at the iconic Maracana Stadium. IANS