Diego sent back to Brazil

Portuguese UEFA Champions League hopefuls SL Benfica have sent Brazil Under-20 midfielder Diego on loan to CR Flamengo.

Five-year deal
Although the 19-year-old agreed a five-year deal in June, Diego was only officially unveiled at the Estádio da Luz today, and he will immediately return to Brazil after being left out of the side's first-team squad. Benfica, who will enter this year's Champions League in the group stage, had hoped Diego could move back to former club Fluminense FC but having failed to agree terms, Diego will now join Flamengo.

Player demands
The move follows the youngster's request for first-team football. "In respect to the player's desires and the fact that he is a regular in the Brazil U20 team, we decided to allow his return to his home country," a club statement announced. "He will be loaned to Flamengo but could be recalled in January."