VP of Flamengo claims Adriano has a drinking problem

RIO DE JANEIRO, March 7 (Xinhua) -- Adriano's behavior off the field returned to be the focus of the Flamengo soccer club. The vice-president of the club, Marcos Braz, declared on Sunday that the player has a problem with alcohol.

"To say that Adriano has a drug problem is absurd. Alcohol is a drug, but this case is different. When he starts, he cannot stop. He had learned to control it, but had a relapse and the problem is back," declared Braz.

Braz's announcement comes two days after Adriano had a violent confrontation with his fiance, Joana Machado. The incident took place in front of other members of the Flamengo soccer team at a Funk dance. Machado pelted the athletes' cars with rocks, causing Adriano to leap out of the vehicle enraged and throw her to the ground.

Adriano was liberated from his duties with the team and given a temporary leave of absence to solve his personal problems. He did not participate in the team's 4-0 victory against Resende on Saturday and will not travel to play the Venezuelan team of Caracas on March 10 for the Libertadores Cup.

The striker is under observation from the Flamengo team doctor, Jose Luiz Runco. Adriano is expected to return to practice on Monday. The athlete's agent, Gilmar Rinaldi, assured that his client will continue to play for Flamengo and fulfill his term of loan to the team.