Thiago Set To Join Cruzeiro

Thiago Ribeiro, 22, has already arrived in Belo Horizonte, Brazil, and will undergo a medical examination on Friday before officially becoming a new Cruzeiro player.

The highly-rated striker played a key role as Sao Paulo won the Club World Cup in 2005 and the Brazilian Championship the following year. He was on the verge of moving to a club in Italy or Spain, but finally accepted to sign a lucrative deal with a Qatari club.

After one year and a half in Qatar with Al-Rayyan Sports Club, Thiago decided to return to his homeland, and welcomed a move to Belo Horizonte giants Cruzeiro, a club who have been in good form in the championship so far this season.

Much is expected of him on his return to Brazilian football. Cruzeiro hope to continue to mount a strong title challenge as they look to win only their second Brazilian Championship.