体坛英语新闻：Fluminense ready to announce return of Neves

RIO DE JANEIRO, Jan. 18 (Xinhua) -- Swaping Flamengo for Fluminense, Thiago Neves, is to undergo a routine physical exam on Wednesday, while Fluminense were expected to give him an official presentation to the fans and media on Friday.

It was reported that Fluminense vice president Sandro Lima offered a higher price and quicker payment to impress Saudi Arabia's Al-Hilal for Neves.

With a contract prepared, Neves is ecstatic about his return to the club where he played in 2008 and 2009. The player described it as his "returning home."

Openly thanking club president Peter Siemsen and v.p. Sandro Lima, Neves said that Fluminense has a great cast of players and that he will do everything within his power to win each and every competition they enter in 2012.

Neves is unlikely to travel to their city of Mangaratiba to join the rest of the players during their pre-season training. The coaching staff and athletes return to Rio de Janeiro on January 20.

Fluminense's first official game of the year will be against Friburguense on January 21 in the opening round of the 2012 Rio de Janeiro state championship.

Head coach Abel Braga did not comment as to whether the athlete will play in the game or not. Neves will have to compete against veteran Deco and Wagner for a starting spot.