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Flamengo have now put an end to the rumours about the return of Pablo Mari to the club.

With the defender not playing for Arsenal, there have been many stories in the Brazilian media claiming the Rio de Janeiro side could make a move to bring him back in January.

However, it was also claimed that Mari doesn’t want to return to South America so soon, and when speaking to the local press this week, Flamengo vice-president Marcos Braz confirmed that information.

“He’s not considered because he has no desire to return to Brazil,” said Marcos Braz (via Lance).

“The decision to come is a life decision. Mari has a Spanish wife, she is in England. I would love to (take him), he’s a player who has worked here. Me, Bruno (Spindel) and the club made a huge bet on him. A sensational player on a daily basis, polite, always willing to help the group and everyone. But we understand that the player would not like to return to Brazil now. And that directly influences it.”

Pablo Mari only has three appearances for Arsenal this season, the last of them in September, and that’s of course why a departure looks like the most likely scenario.

Recent reports from Brazil have claimed that he’s being offered around by his agent, with recent approaches to Italian and Spanish clubs, although none of the sides were interested in signing him.

The defender’s contract with Arsenal runs until 2024.