The 25-year-old is in Brazil after Inter accepted the offer for the player to use Sao Paulo's physiotherapy and physiology sporting recovery centre.

"He (Adriano) has something called depression," he said. "His (depression) is of a level of a young chap who has started a difficult time in his life.

"But he is physically strong and he will be able to recover. Adriano first has to find himself and recover his confidence.

"We hope he will return to be the player he was."

The Brazilian forward has struggled to make an impact at Inter over the past two seasons and has fallen down the pecking order at the Nerazzurri.

However, despite rumours linking the player with a loan move in the January transfer window, Adriano is determined to win back his place in Roberto Mancini's team in the near future.

In a press conference in Sao Paulo, the player said: "People say that I have resorted to alcohol to overcome my problems, but it's not true.

"Anybody can go through a difficult time and I am an ordinary person. I hope I can overcome this situation in order to bring back happiness to my family and return to play football, which is my biggest passion. I want to be able to smile again.

"Inter is giving me all the support I need."