Jo could end up like Adriano, says father

The father of former Manchester City and Brazil footballer Jo says he fears his son could suffer the same fate as troubled compatriot Adriano.

Battling a prolonged slump of form and personal problems, the 27-year-old has been told by Brazilian club Atletico Mineiro that his contract will be terminated in December, reports Xinhua.

"There are no clubs interested (in him) at this stage. I'm worried. I told him to be careful or his career would end up like Adriano's," Jo's father Dario de Assis said.

Former Inter Milan striker Adriano was once a prolific scorer for both club and country but at 32, he is now in exile after years of alcohol abuse and disciplinary problems.

While Jo did not reach Adriano's heights as a player, the similarities between the former Selecao teammates are impossible to ignore.

Jo has endured a startling fall from grace, having been considered Brazil's second-best central striker only four months ago. He failed to score during the 2014 FIFA World Cup at home and is yet to find the net in 15 Brazilian Serie A matches this year.

The form that saw him score a tournament-high seven goals during Atletico's triumphant 2013 Copa Libertadores campaign is a distant memory. But it is Jo's off-field behaviour that had Atletico officials most concerned.

He had repeatedly failed to show up for training and, just hours after his latest absence Oct 11, he was photographed with friends at a Brazilian nightclub.

"This is not the first time this (indiscipline) has happened. But I hope it doesn't happen again. He owes a lot to Atletico Mineiro. The club and the fans deserve better," Dario said.

"It's going to be difficult for him to get back. But I told him he needs to be strong and face up (to the situation). He only has himself to blame. The coach has given him several chances."