Rio de Janeiro, Dec 10 (IANS): Flamengo have exercised an option to secure Fiorentina and Brazil international striker Pedro on a permanent deal, the Rio de Janeiro club has said.

The 23-year-old, who joined Flamengo on a 12-month loan in January, will now be tied to the reigning Brazilian and South American champions until 2025, reports Xinhua news agency.

"Thanks to everyone who has supported me. I hope to continue to score goals and win trophies with Flamengo," Pedro said in a video posted on the club's Twitter account.

Pedro made just four goalless appearances for Fiorentina after joining the club for 11 million euros (around 13 million U.S. dollars) in September 2019.

He has rediscovered his scoring touch with Flamengo, netting 17 times in 33 appearances across all competitions this year. The former Fluminense player was rewarded for his prolific form by earning a Brazil call-up, making his international debut in a 1-0 FIFA World Cup qualifying win over Venezuela in November.