Leandro Damião, the seasoned striker, is making headlines again with his heartfelt desire to return to Sport Club Internacional before hanging up his boots. The 35-year-old, who first made his mark with the team, hopes to end his career at the Beira-Rio stadium, where it all began. This desire has sparked conversations between Damião and Alessandro Barcellos, the club’s president, as both explore the feasibility of this dream reunion.
Speaking during a recent interview, Damião expressed his unwavering focus on Internacional. He stated, “My current desire is only Inter. I’m not even listening to the other proposals I have received. I spoke with the president. My wish is to return to Inter, the club where I was revealed.” These words encapsulate the emotional bond the striker shares with the team, which nurtured his talent and propelled him to international fame.
Leandro Damião’s football career first took shape at Atlético de Ibirama, from where he caught the attention of Internacional, who signed him in 2009. It wasn’t until 2010, during the Copa Libertadores, when he truly shone, scoring the second goal in the decisive 3-2 victory against Chivas, which clinched the title for the gaúchos. His remarkable performance did not go unnoticed; he enjoyed his stellar season in 2011, netting 40 goals and assisting six times over 51 matches.
His success at Internacional also earned him recognition at the national level, as he represented Brazil in the London Olympics of 2012, finishing as the top scorer and helping the team secure the silver medal. Over the years, Damião has made 228 appearances for Internacional, finding the net 108 times and assisting his teammates 28 times.
After his standout moments with Internacional, Damião’s career saw him donning various jerseys across Brazil and abroad, including stints at Santos, Cruzeiro, and even overseas teams such as Real Betis and Kawasaki Frontale. Most recently, he played for Coritiba, ending his contract there in July 2024, participating in 16 matches, scoring three goals, and providing one assist. Since then, he has remained without a club.
While the football market buzzes with rumors and negotiations during this busy pre-season, Damião yearns to secure his place back at Internacional. His ambition to close his career at the club was made clear, as he declared, “My idea has always been to eventually retire at Inter, the club where I was revealed.” This sentiment reflects the strong emotional ties he harbors for the club and what it means to him.
The current climate at the club suggests some turbulence as well. Internacional finished the 2024 season solidly positioned, ending up fifth with 65 points. Amidst discussions of team reforms, including potential player exits such as Thiago Maia to Santos, the return of Damião could be perceived as both a symbolic and strategic move—the right step to stabilize and invigorate their roster.
Club analysts believe Damião could bring valuable experience and leadership back to Internacional, gifting the young talents with his knowledge and skill. His previous experience with the team could inspire renewed hope among fans who cherish his legacy there. So, what does the future hold for both Damião and Internacional as they stand on the brink of possibility?
The upcoming transfer window is poised to be pivotal, not only for Damião but for the club as they strategize for the 2025 season. A reunion with Damião could mark the beginning of another chapter for the player and the team, melding past successes with future aspirations.
It's uncertain whether the paths will align—and whether Damião will bring his dream full circle—yet the prospect of his return to Internacional is exciting for fans and the player alike. Here’s hoping for the day the star returns home to where his football life truly began, sealing his legacy at the club he so dearly cherishes.