Brazil’s Barbosa returns to boyhood club Santos

“I have always been with you,” said the 21-year-old Brazilian international as he returned on loan to the club which he joined as an eight year old.

The announcement came hours after the termination of his loan arrangement at Benfica.

An Olympic gold medallist with Brazil, Barbosa signed for Inter for 33 million euros in the summer 2016, but scored just once.

His spell at Benfica was cut short as the player known as ‘Gabigol’ pushed for a return to his former club.

“Gabigol is back at Santos FC,” Santos confirmed on their official website.

“After almost 17 months in Europe, the boy from Vila returns for a year long loan.”

Barbosa added: “I’m very anxious and excited to get back onto the pitch again, especially in the Copa Libertadores which is a competition I’ve always wanted to play in.”