Adriano is Just Fine, Thanks

It’s probably not a good sign for Adriano that a story entitled “Adriano Kidnap Fears Played Down” is making the rounds. Apparently the Brazilian striker was set to return from Brazil last Friday; since that time, his whereabouts are unknown. We’ll bring you up to speed on everything after the jump.

This is what we know so far:

• Adriano missed his flight Friday to rejoin Inter in time for their Sunday fixture.
• Adriano’s agent says that he’s staying in Rio de Janiero with family, and that he’s apparently in close contact with Brazilian national team coach Carlos Dunga. [USAToday]
• The agent also leaves open the possibility that Adriano won’t return to Italy at all.
• National teammate and fellow Milan resident Kaka apparently did some physio with Adriano over the international break, where he was told by Adriano that Inter had approved an extra day’s stay; apparently Inter approved that request. [The Guardian]
• Jose Mourinho, who almost always has something to say, was unusually reticient on the matter; when asked, he said “I don’t think we should talk about this too much. Everyone has understood this is not an easy situation.” [Setanta]
• Rumors of what’s happened have ranged from a suicide attempt over a failed relationship with an ex-girlfriend to excessive partying ending in an arrest. [Goal.com]
• It’s been rumored that Inter will cancel his contract at the end of the season due to the excessive personal issues he’s had with the club. [IMScouting.com]

Adriano’s mental health history has been a little sketchy ever since his father passed away in 2004. Since then, he’s had numerous issues similar to this, and it’s definitely possible that Inter’s just had enough.

Stay tuned; I’d imagine this one gets more interesting later this week.