Brazilian attacking midfielder Juninho Pernambucano confirmed today that he has been given the green light by Brazilian authorities to break with his club Vasco da Gama and join French first division side Lyon.
"Vasco da Gama have not fulfilled their obligations towards me so I sought legal recourse to win my rights," said the 26-year-old following the decision of a court here which upheld the severing of his contract with the Brazilian side which he joined in 1995 but has not played since January this year.
Juninho will travel to Lyon this weekend to sign the five-year contract he has agreed with the French side. The 26-year-old former international, who made his debut for Brazil in March 1999, is expected to arrive at the Stade Gerland to join three compatriots on June 18.
The player, who will become the fourth Brazilian at Lyon after forward Sonny Anderson and defenders Edmilson and Claudio Capaca, will replace fomer Lyon playmaker Vikash Dhorasoo. PA