Sporting Lisbon have confirmed that they have suspended prolific striker Mario Jardel, after he failed to attend medical examinations on three occasions.
The Brazilian, who has been suffering from depression since separating from his wife, told the club last month that he couldno longer play in Portugal.
‘Thirty days have passed since his first medical certificate was tendered to justify his absence from work, so the contract between Sporting and Mario Jardel is automatically suspended by law,’ a club statement said.
Offers foor Jardel have beenn turned down by Sporting with the club stating such a deal ‘would be ‘humiliating to say the least for a player who has won the Golden Boot.’
The Brazilian scored 42 goals last season to win the Golden Boot as Europes top marksman and helped Sporting to the Portuguese league and cup double, but he has not played a game this season.
