Former Beijing Guoan midfielder Ralf returns to Corinthians

Former Brazil international midfielder Ralf has returned to his former club Corinthians on a free transfer, the Brazilian club said on Monday.

The 33-year-old agreed to terms with the reigning Brazilian Serie A champions after parting ways with Beijing Guoan in December.

Brazilian football player Ralf of Beijing Sinobo Guoan, front, challenges a player of Changchun Yatai in their 30th round match during the 2017 Chinese Football Association Super League (CSL) in Beijing, China, November4, 2017. [Photo: IC]

"The pit bull is back," Corinthians said on their official Twitter account.

The Sao Paulo club also published images of Ralf training in the gymnasium on Monday and a video showing career highlights.

Local media reported that the new contract is valid until the end of 2019.

Ralf spent two full seasons with Beijing Guoan after joining the Chinese Super League club along with his former Corinthians teammate Renato Augusto in January 2016.

He played 352 matches for Corinthians from 2009 to 2015, scoring eight goals. During that time he won eight trophies, including two Brazilian Serie A titles, a Copa Libertadores and a FIFA Club World Cup.