Emerson, the former Roma man, had been without a club since parting company with AC Milan by mutual consent in April following an unsuccessful two-year period at the club.

Emerson has now signed a short-term deal with Santos that will see him play for the club until December.

However, Emerson insisted that he will renew his contract with Santos should the club qualify for the Copa Libertadores

“It is an honour to be here and to be welcomed by these two great players [Clodoaldo and Zito],” he said at a press conference.

“This club have an impressive tradition and I am sure my choice was right.”

Emerson stated that he had long been looking to return to his native country, saying that he decided to sign for Santos after speaking with Vanderlei Luxemburgo, with whom he worked with in the Brazilian national team.

“My return to Brazil was decided, I just did not know the club. But my talk with Luxemburgo was good. It is very good to be able to work with him,” he said.

“I was on holiday, I have not played for a a while and I will need time to become fit. But I hope it will happen soon, because I am crazy to play.”