Rio de Janeiro, February 2: Flamengo striker Gabriel Barbosa has said he "followed his heart" by agreeing to join the reigning Brazilian and Copa Libertadores champions on a permanent deal from Inter Milan. Barbosa, who spent 2019 on loan at Flamengo, signed a five-year contract with the Rio de Janeiro giants on January 28 after Inter Milan reportedly agreed to a 17 million-euro (18 million US dollars) transfer fee, reports Xinhua news agency.

"I missed wearing this shirt. It's a moment of happiness, everyone knows that Flamengo is my home," Barbosa said during his official unveiling on Saturday. "I'm very happy to be here because I know I followed my heart." According to Brazilian media reports, Barbosa turned down offers from clubs in Europe and Asia to remain in Rio. Gabriel Barbosa, Flamengo Striker, Wins Golden Ball for Brazil’s Serie A 2019.

He said he felt motivated by the club's quest for more titles in 2020, including another tilt at the FIFA Club World Cup after losing to Liverpool in the 2019 final. "For a player to feel fulfilled, he doesn't need to play in Europe and leave his country," Barbosa said. "We have a good league. Flamengo play at a very high level and has a coach [Jorge Jesus] who is one of the best in the world. I have a five-year contract with Flamengo, and I intend to respect it and stay here much longer."

Barbosa scored 43 goals in 59 matches across all competitions for Flamengo last year, helping them to their first Brazilian Serie A title since 2009 and just their second Libertadores crown.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Feb 02, 2020 10:28 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).