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Brazilian pair leave Leverkusen

Bayer 04 Leverkusen have confirmed Brazilian international defenders Roque Junior and Athirson will leave the Bundesliga club after ending their contracts.

Bayer 04 Leverkusen have confirmed Brazilian defenders Roque Junior and Athirson will leave the Bundesliga club this summer.

World Cup winner
The 30-year-old Roque Junior arrived in Germany in summer 2004 and has since played 35 top-flight matches. He has 48 international caps, and two goals, for Brazil and was a member of their squad that won the 2002 FIFA World Cup. The 30-year old former AC Milan defender's contract expired on 30 June and he is now a free agent.

Contract cancelled
Athirson, also 30, still had one year remaining on his current deal but his contract was cancelled by mutual consent. Athirson, who has won four caps, arrived in summer 2005 from Brazilian side Cruzeiro EC and had made 30 Bundesliga appearances, scoring twice. Leverkusen begin their 2007/08 UEFA Cup campaign in the first round.

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