From correspondents in India, 02:01 PM IST

Flamengo's latest football star Adriano skipped Tuesday's morning practice and his absence caused the administration to worry, fearing that the problems he had in Italy were repeating at Flamengo.

On the team's first day of practice after their 2-1 victory over Atletico-PR in the fourth round of the Brazilian Championship, the star forward did not show up. However, after explaining himself, Adriano avoided any fine.

In a meeting with the team's head coach, Cuca, along with the team's vice-president, Kleber Leite, Adriano explained the situation. Both the coach and vice-president consider the case to be closed.

According to the player's agent, Gilmar Rinaldi, Adriano attempted to contact one of the team's administrators, Isaias, informing him of his absence. Leite accepted the excuse.

It turned out that the administrator's radio was probably turned off. Adriano made his debut with the team last Sunday. Scoring in his first game, he was on the receiving end of many accolades.

Although not divulging the reason behind his absence, fears linger that he may find himself in trouble with alcohol and the Rio de Janeiro night life, just as he had in Italy with his former team, Inter Milan.

(Staff Writer, © IANS)