Adriano Leite Ribeiro, the Brazilian striker known to fans as “The Emperor,” is not quite ready to leave football behind. Eight years after his retirement, the 42-year-old is preparing for one last hurrah on the pitch.
Calciomercato report how the former star is organizing a farewell match in Brazil, involving two clubs close to his heart: Flamengo and Inter Milan. Adriano himself announced the initiative, stating, “Even though I retired a few years ago, I needed this match to close my career. I owed it to all those who supported me and continue to do so.”
Adriano has chosen Flamengo and Inter Milan as they represent the most significant stages of his career. The Brazilian club launched him into top-flight football, while the Italian giants brought him to Europe when he was still very young.
With Inter Milan, the ex-striker played 177 matches between 2001 and 2009, scoring 74 goals and winning 7 titles. In this friendly match, Adriano plans to play one half wearing Flamengo’s colors and another half in Inter’s jersey.
Adriano hasn’t played professionally since 2016 when he ended his career with Miami United at the age of 33. Now, at 42, he’s ready to lace up his boots one last time for this special occasion.
