Midfielder Paulo Assuncao has rescinded his contract with Atletico Madrid to sign for Sao Paulo in his native Brazil.
The 32-year-old, who joined Los Rojiblancos in July 2008 after buying out the remainder of his agreement with Porto, still had one year left on his deal at the Vicente Calderon but had been informed by boss Diego Simeone that he was not part of his plans for the 2012-13 campaign.
“I have had the best times of my career here and won three European titles,” Assuncao told Atletico’s official website.
“I was very happy with my teammates and the fans, who were always very good to me, and I will never forget my time with Atleti.
“I hope everything goes well for the club this season and it is a success.”
Assuncao said he also believed now was the time for him to return home after over a decade in European football, having first appeared in Porto’s B team in 2000.
“I am very excited to be going back to Brazil and look forward to showing everybody what I can do,” he added.
