Rio de Janeiro, Nov 30 (IANS): Shandong Luneng striker Diego Tardelli has expressed a desire to join Brazilian football club Corinthians, according to his friend and former teammate Jo (Joao Alves de Assis Silva).

Tardelli is contracted to the Chinese Super League side until January 2019 but would be tempted to return to his native Brazil if an offer were made, Jo said, reports Xinhua news agency.

"He would like that. He has already shown his affinity with the club. He came to train here (before reporting for Brazil national team duty in September)," said Jo, whose previous clubs include Manchester City and Jiangsu Suning.

"One day who knows? Maybe he could fulfil a dream to play with Corinthians."

Tardelli has had mixed fortunes since joining Shandong Luneng from Atletico Mineiro in January 2015. He struggled with injuries and poor form in his first two years in China but enjoyed a prolific season in 2017 with 15 goals in 18 league matches.

His performances have been noted by Brazil coach Tite, who recalled the 30-year-old to the national team in September after a two-year absence.

Jo and Tardelli have known each other since they were children but the pair became closer after playing together at Atletico Mineiro, where they won the Copa Libertadores in 2013.

"We have always been close, even more so after we played together at Atletico and spent time together in China," Jo said.

"I'm always speaking with him. He is a great guy and I always want what is best for him," he added.