Christian returns to Brazil
Wednesday, January 30, 2002
Article summary
Sociedade Esportiva Palmeiras have signed FC Girondins de Bordeaux striker Christian on loan.
Article body
FC Girondins de Bordeaux striker Christian has returned to Brazil on a six-month loan deal with Sociedade Esportiva Palmeiras.
Top scorer at PSG
Christian joined the French club for €11.4m in June 2001 after a disappointing season at Paris Saint-Germain FC. He finished the previous term as top scorer for PSG, but was unable to settle at the Chaban-Delmas stadium.
Late Grêmio bid
The player has not featured in coach Elie Baup's plans since failing to return to training after the winter break. As punishment, Baup and president Jean-Louis Triaud decided to release Christian and he immediately appeared to be on his way to Palmeiras until a bid from Grêmio Football Porto Alegrense, where the 26-year-old made his name, threw a spanner in the works.
Just two goals
However, Grêmio's move for Christian collapsed, allowing Palmeiras to clinch his loan signing. The Brazlian international, bought to replace Lilian Laslandes, became a first-team regular on joining Bordeaux but failed to live up to expectations, scoring just two goals in 18 Le Championnat games this season.
