Borussia Dortmund have cancelled the contract of controversial Brazilian striker Marcio Amoroso.

Amoroso underwent a knee operation three months ago in the United States but has refused to return from his native Brazil to complete his recuperation with the Bundelsiga club.

He was told to return to the Westfalen Stadium by March 18 but ignored the deadline and club have decided to cancel his contrcat which was due to expire in 2005.

Amoroso cost a Bundesliga record €25m when Dortmund signed him from Parma in 2001.

The Brazilian has amitted hec would prefer to return to Italy and given his scoring record there wil be no shortage be clubs intereted in signing him – despite the episode with Dortmund.

“There are certain rules that need to be stuck to,” explained coach Matthias Sammer.

“The club can not let itself be messed around.”

Even team-mate Dede, 25 was critical of the behaviour of his compatriot.

“Marcio and Borussia are just not getting along,” he said.

“He is not showing the club the respect they deserve.”