Arguably one of the best active male volleyball players in the world, Giba announced on Wednesday his intentions to return to play in Brazil.

The member of the Brazilian men's national volleyball team currently acts for the Russian team, Iskra Odisntovo. However, with his contract set to expire, he has his eyes set on home.

After having spent the last eight years outside of Brazil playing professional volleyball, Giba is ready to return. The athlete maintains constant contact with the Brazilian team, Cimed. Negotiations are going along just fine as reportedly.

Giba has a year left remaining on his contract. Nevertheless, he has openly expressed his desire to return to Brazil. In 2008, the player attempted to negotiate an early exit from his contract, but the Russian team was able to keep him on board. The high fines of breaching his contract deterred the player from leaving.

However, in 2009, the Russian club recognizes that it will be difficult to hang on to him for too much longer.

The athlete's return to Brazil is almost certain. The only thing remaining is a date. His departure date from Iskra Odisntovo will depend on negotiations with Cimed, who may be able to cover the fines and bring Giba back to the hardwood floor in Brazil before the year's end.

(Xinhua News Agency Feburary 5, 2009)