Juninho returns to Vasco

Former Lyon and Brazil international midfielder Juninho Pernambucano has agreed to rejoin Vasco da Gama until the end of the season.

Speculation has surrounded the future of the 38-year-old since his shock departure from New York Red Bulls earlier this month, reports Xinhua.

"My intention was to stop playing when I rescinded my contract in the United States. When (president) Roberto Dinamite called me asking that I came back, I decided to collaborate, at least until the end of the season," Juninho said Friday.

Juninho, who played in each of Lyon's seven consecutive Ligue 1 titles from 2002 to 2008, quit New York after just six months at the Major League Soccer (MLS) club, citing differences with coach Mike Petke. The free-kick specialist has said a key factor in his decision to leave Vasco in 2012 December was the Rio de Janeiro club's failure to pay wages on time.

It is understood Juninho has agreed to play for nothing under the condition he receives monthly instalments of $230,000, owed in unpaid wages from his previous contract with the Rio club.

Vasco have already registered the veteran with Brazil's Football Confederation (CBF) and hope he is available for the club's July 21 clash against Fluminense at the iconic Maracana Stadium.