Can this lady help bring Adriano back to his best?

Throughout his career, Adriano has rarely flirted with the concept of professionalism, and he currently finds himself on another self-imposed sojourn in his native Brazil. We are led to believe his absence from Milan is due to “heartache”, but if the words of ‘carnival funk dancer’ Ellen Cardoso are to be believed, he is on the road to recovery.

The Brazilian beauty - who we introduced you to in video form yesterday - told a Rio newspaper last week that she and the wayward forward are in a relationship, and they are “very happy”.

Wayward Inter striker lands another Brazilian beauty

Alleged Inter Milan striker Adriano isn’t skiving off work because of his addiction to sexy parties, but because he is “heartbroken” after splitting with fiancé Joana Machado.

If Rio newspaper O Dia is to be believed, however, the Brazilian has rebounded spectacularly with model and “funk dancer” Ellen Cardoso, who goes by the moniker ‘Mulher Moranguinho’ (’Strawberry Woman’) in her home country.

Despite what Adriano may have told his employers about his personal life, she recently said:

“We are very happy. It is a relationship unlike any other. We all hope it works out.”

Spoiler bonus: It seems that Brazilians are fascinated with Miss Cardoso’s derriere…