Werder Bremen's Naldo departed for his homeland Brazil Friday afternoon for some more examinations. The 27-year-old will have his knee checked out by Jose Luiz Runco, who treats the Brazilian national team, as well as a knee specialist in Rio Grande do Sul. "We had hoped that he would react better to the first exertion in the new year. But it didn't get better in the days thereafter," said Werder manager Klaus Allofs. "Therefore we collectively came to the conclusion that he should head to Brazil for treatment and get other opinions."

In Germany, Naldo received treatment from German national team doctor Müller-Wohlfahrt as well as Dr. Ulrich Boenisch. "I thank all the doctors who helped me. They all tried their best and I am not at all disappointed in them. But I am flying to Brazil to get more opinions and speed the healing process as quickly as possible," said Naldo, who is thankful that the club allowed him to make the trip. "According to the work contract we could have forbidden it. But that never really came up since you cannot refuse a man who wants to do something for his health. Naldo is not going without the approval of Werder Bremen. We respect his wishes and we will support him as best as possible."

Naldo will return to Germany in early February, hopefully with further advancements. "I am flying to Brazil, but I will come back soon and hope that it will work out," said the 27-year-old into the camera of WERDER.TV before he left for the homeland.