Jardel targets Brazilian move
The naturalised Portuguese striker has been linked with a move to a number of clubs after having his contract rescinded at Sporting Lisbon, and becoming available for a bargain ‚é¼2.5 million.
Middlesbrough, Bolton Wanderers and Tottenham were credited with an interest after Gers boss Alex McLeish admitted he was unlikely to complete a swoop for the former Golden Boot winner.
As Jardel eyes a switch to South America, for personal reasons, it is a far cry from the days when he claims Manchester United and a host of top European sides coveted his signature.
"For the time being, I do not want to play in Portugal," he stated. "My destiny is Brazil.
"I am interested in a transfer to Palmeiras, yes. We are negotiating the transfer, but there is still nothing concrete.
"Regarding Santos, I still do not have anything official, but would also be very happy to play there.
"I am sure I can carry out good work at Santos, and it would be good to wear the shirt of Peixe.
"With certainty, I am open to offers from other teams, mainly from Minas Gerais and Rio de Janeiro.
"But I want to play in big clubs. I am a big player of the team. I have been top scorer in Europe several times.
"I want to come back and have success.
"I did not lack offers when in Portugal," he told Gazeta Esportiva. "I finished perceiving that the Portuguese championship has very little exposure.
"Despite that, I always had proposals, including from Barcelona, Real Madrid, Milan and Manchester United. Unfortunately, they never became concrete."
Jardel is keen to return to Brazil in order to be closer to his children, after the break up of his marriage with wife Karen, whom he is now good friends with again.
The hit-man has had his personal problems, and concedes they affected his form, but he now wants to impress Brazil coach Carlos Alberto Parreira from closer to home in order to earn a chance to play in the 2006 World Cup finals in Germany.
"I simply do not want to go to Rangers," he added, in relation to the offer from Ibrox.
"At present, my thought is to come back to Brazilian football. I do not go to Scotland.
"At the moment, I want to go to Brazil to be back in the spotlight, and be able to get new recognition.
"As well as that, it is also my will to come back and play for the Brazilian national team.
"I have the will to play in Sao Paulo. Beyond footballing interests, I want to be nearby my sons who live there."
