Former Manchester City midfielder Elano has admitted the assault of teammate Andre Santos by Flamengo fans contributed to his decision to leave the club.
The 33-year-old confirmed his departure Thursday with four months left on a loan deal from Brazilian rivals Gremio, reported Xinhua.
His announcement comes less than a month after Santos, who joined Flamengo from Arsenal last year, was kicked and punched by a group of fans after the team's 0-4 defeat to Internacional.
"My family was the most important thing," Elano told a press conference in Rio. "That episode with Andre Santos made a difference. But I can't judge millions of Flamengo fans on the basis of a few."
Elano capped 50 times for Brazil, struggled with injuries and played just four league matches after arriving at Flamengo in January.
"I want to be useful and I wasn't," he admitted. "If I am criticized while playing, that's one thing. But I was not even on the pitch.
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"I have managed to achieve many things in my life but I'm sorry that things haven't worked out here."
Flamengo are currently last in Brazil's Serie A standings with 10 points from 13 matches.