Brazil's Fluminense see Guangzhou Evergrande's Conca return

Former Guangzhou Evergrande player Dario Conca was officially presented Wednesday as the new star player of Brazil's Rio-based soccer team Fluminense.

The Argentinean attacking midfielder, who participated in the FIFA Club World Cup with Evergrande last month, said he was happy to return to the club where he played before his two-and-a-half- year spell in China.

"I am very happy and motivated to wear Fluminense's colors," he said at a press conference. "I am eager, as anyone who returns to a place where they felt so good."

During his time with Guangzhou Evergrande, Conca helped the team win three consecutive Super League titles and the 2013 AFC Champions League, the first in the club's history, which opened the door to compete in the Club World Cup.

The midfielder also praised his coach at Evergrande, Marcello Lippi, saying "I have had the opportunity to work with one of the world's best coaches. He is tactically spectacular and I am proud that he has spoken well of me. He taught me a lot, placed much importance in my position and always exuded confidence."

In the 30 months he spent away from Brazil, Conca was never forgotten by Fluminense's fans, who repeatedly asked for his return, especially since he was essential to the team's national championship victory in 2010, and received two "Best Player of the Year" awards when he was a member of the team.

It is not clear when Conca will play his first match for Fluminense, with which he has signed a three-year contract.

The team will play the Rio state championship, and the club's first match of the competition will take place on Jan. 18.

Fluminense, after winning the national championship in 2012, did poorly in 2013 and was almost relegated to the second-division league.