Rio de Janeiro, Sep 9 (IANS) Uruguay captain Diego Lugano has returned to Brazilian football club Sao Paulo to recover from a knee injury as he prepares to restart his stalled career in Asia.

The 33-year-old is undergoing the final stage of his recuperation at the Brazilian club's facilities before joining an unnamed club in the Middle East, reports Xinhua.

"I chose to come back here because I am in constant contact with the medical department," Lugano was quoted as saying by Lancenet Monday. "They know me well and the facilities are world class."

"Apart from the chance to regain my fitness it has been a great pleasure to come back here."

Lugano played for Sao Paulo from 2003 to 2006 and was a part of the team's 2005 FIFA Club World Cup triumph.

The centre-back managed just one World Cup match in Brazil after injuring his knee just before the tournament.

Having been let go by English Premier League club West Bromwich Albion in May, the former Fenerbahce defender is keen for a fresh start.

"It's difficult to be sidelined by injury but I'm on the road to recovery," he said. "As soon as I finish my treatment here I'll be off to start a new chapter."