Having arrived in Melbourne in August, the Brazilian made 19 appearances for the club last season, scoring two goals – including the winner against Newcastle Jets in December.

But after being squeezed out of Melbourne Victory’s Asian Champions League squad by the limited number of foreign players clubs permitted to register and his lacklustre form, Ricardinho has gone home in a bid to play regular football and gain much needed match-fitness.

Victory's Football Operations Manager Gary Cole said, “Moving across the other side of the world is difficult enough, but when you add injuries into the equation it became pretty difficult for Ricardinho to get into any sort of rhythm last season.

“With a significant break between seasons and having missed out on our AFC Champions League squad, as a footballer he understandably wanted to play regular football.

"An opportunity came up for him to return home to Brazil and we were happy to accommodate.”

In other player news, Melbourne Victory National Youth League (NYL) midfielder James Jeggo has signed a three year deal with the club after an impressive, yet injury interrupted season.

The 19 year-old broke his ankle on the eve of the NYL season and only returned for the final five games of the campaign.

Jeggo joins the likes of A-League players Diogo Ferreira, Matthew Foschini and Petar Franjic as products of Melbourne Victory’s NYL team to gain a senior contract.

Gary Cole praised Jeggo’s attitude, “James is one of those young guys who just impresses you in every way.

"He trains hard, listens and most important of all, is a very talented footballer with an exciting future ahead of him.

“He’s been in and around the club for a couple of years now and deserves his senior contract. He’s often in the gym doing extra sessions and that’s the kind of dedication you look for in young players these days.”