Rio de Janeiro, March 4 (IANS): Internacional coach Diego Aguirre has clarified he did not request the signing of former Manchester United midfielder Anderson.

"It wasn't me but the board that wanted him," Xinhua quoted Aguirre as saying. "They thought Anderson was a good signing and a good business move for the future. That's why they bought him.

"There are players who are brought in because of their football and others that come as a recommendation from the board."

The oft-maligned 26-year-old missed a 74th-minute penalty on his debut for the Brazilian club last month, costing his team victory against local rivals Cruzeiro.

Anderson joined Manchester United for 26 million British pounds in 2007.

But the Brazilian made just 105 appearances in eight years at the English club before his January move to Internacional.

Aguirre said Anderson would miss the club's home Copa Libertadores clash against Ecuador's Emelec on Wednesday with a thigh injury.