Rio de Janeiro, Jun 23 (IANS): Flamengo coach Joel Santana admitted he was "eagerly awaiting" the return of former Brazil international striker Adriano.

The 30-year-old is still officially without a club after being sacked by Flamengo's Brazilian rivals Corinthians in March due to alleged disciplinary problems.

He underwent surgery on his problematic left Achilles tendon in April and has since received physiotherapy under the guidance of Flamengo medical staff, Xinhua reported.

Flamengo is yet to commit to signing Adriano, who helped the club win the 2009 Brazilian Serie A championship.

"I spoke to him today and he was excited and happy," Santana said Friday. "Like all of us here I am hoping that he can come back and play at the level we know he can."

"Adriano is a special player and we are anxious to see him back on the pitch for us."

Santana's comments came just days after Adriano was summoned to a meeting with Flamengo officials unhappy at the former Inter Milan and Roma star's lack of commitment to his rehabilitation.