Brisbane Roar coach John Aloisi has poured cold water on the possibility of Brazilian attacker Henrique making an unexpected return to the club this season.
Henrique, a three-time Championship winner with the Roar, has returned to Australia as a free agent and is reportedly keen to rejoin the club where he spent seven seasons.
Aloisi spoke fondly of Henrique’s contribution to the club but admitted the Brazilian’s lack of recent football counted against him.
“Ricky’s produced so much joy for the Roar and our supporters,” Aloisi told reporters on Thursday.
“Even in the first season I was here, he was coming back from an ACL injury and he did exceptionally well for us, and for me in particular.
“It was a pity that he ended up leaving – I think he regrets it now.
“But he hasn’t played since June, so it’s definitely not on for this season because by the time we get him to the level of fitness (required), the season’s over.
“Who knows what holds for him in the future.”
Aloisi suggested the 32-year-old will likely turn to the Queensland PS4 NPL competition this season in order to improve his match fitness and prove he’s worthy of another shot in the A-League.
Henrique played 139 games for the Roar between 2009-16, scoring 39 goals.
