SAO PAULO - Brazilian striker Adriano is planning to put his Italian worries firmly behind him after scoring twice in his first match since returning to his native country.
The 25-year-old forward played in Serie A for six years with Inter Milan, Parma and a loan spell at Fiorentina, scoring 73 goals in a total of 162 appearances.
He was nicknamed 'Imperador' ('the Emperor') at Inter but he was also criticised by the Italian media for being overweight and leading a 'party' lifestyle.
In November last year he was sent to Brazil on unpaid leave to improve his fitness and a move to Sao Paulo was finalised soon after his return.
"I asked everybody to call me Adriano. Let's leave the 'Imperador' nickname in Italy," Adriano, who has scored 25 goals in 37 appearances for Brazil, told globesporte.com.
"I am trying to start again and being called Adriano again will help that."
The striker's two goals helped Sao Paulo win their Campeonato Paulista opener against Guarantigueta, capping a perfect debut.
"I hope the headlines in Italy were good because they are not used to writing good things about me," he added.
"It is clear that I made some mistakes there and gave them the reasons to do that, but today I am a different person - I am happy now.
"I have to continue working hard for next Sunday. I know that the first few games will be difficult but I will definitely improve."
