The Brazilian midfielder spent four years with the Bavarian outfit before moving to Santos last summer, but admits to feeling almost like a newcomer on his return.

"The atmosphere in training and in the dressing room is completely different to a year ago," he said. "It's a lot better."

Ze Roberto struggled to adjust to the change in direction when Felix Magath took over from Ottmar Hitzfeld and returned to his native South America.

But now Hitzfeld, the man who signed him from Bayer Leverkusen in 2002, is back in charge, the 33-year-old is ecstatic to be back.

"I am delighted to be back in my old home," said Ze Roberto, one of eight Bayern summer signings.

"I have had a great time in Brazil and arrive with a lot of self-confidence. I want to continue where I left off with Santos."