All Aboard the last minute Adriano Loan Express

Remember when Adriano was considered one of the best young strikers in the game and when his services were in demand by clubs like Real Madrid, Barcelona and Chelsea? He sure does. The out of favor Inter Milan forward believes that his current club owes him for his loyalty three years ago and that they shouldn’t expect him to agree to a loan even if it means that he could, you know, actually play and get his life back in order.

As the summer transfer window mercifully comes to a close, Adriano sits on the discount table at the thrift store with a giant ‘for rent’ sign on his back. Not surprisingly, a number of teams appear to be in the market for a rent-a-striker who is not interested in being rented.

• Arsenal have turned down a loan offer.
• Manchester City have lusted after him but he appears out of reach.
• West Ham are ready to get into the game.
• And Middlesbrough would like to see him take over the role of portly striker from Mark Viduka.

The career path of Adriano certainly has been a unique one – from up and coming star at Flamengo to on fire goal scorer at Parma to one of the most feared strikers at Inter to an almost afterthought at Inter who is better known for his partying than his play. His has been as dramatic rise and fall as any player I can remember.

It is hard to think that the guy is only 25. With 86 goals in 200 games it is easy to see why teams are still interested in his services. Goal scorers are a commodity and there is always the hope that he will regain his form. The big question is whether he is actually interested in his own services.

Some Related Stories:

Category: Serie A, World Football