Elias is Sporting's 16th reinforcement

Brazilian midfielder is already in Lisbon to be linked definitively to the Lions.
Elias leaves Atletico Madrid by "Falcao's fault".

The Brazilian Elias, 26 years old, will be the 16th reinforcement of Sporting for the new season.
The central midfielder is already in Lisbon, says the newspaper O Jogo for formalize his connection to Alvalade's club , permanently, after being released by Atletico Madrid.

Elias moved to Spain in 2010, from the Corinthians, where was considered as one of the Brasileirão's best players.
The midfielder failed to show in Spain however, the level demonstrated in the Brazilian pitches.

The Sporting's further strengthening arrives Alvalade after being released from Atletico Madrid, who ran out of places in squad for non-EU players, after the hiring of Radamel Falcao.
Brazilian Miranda, had place assured in the squad, missing only whether Gregorio Manzano would dispense Elias or Salvio.. The manager opted to hold the former Benfica player.

Elias, international for Brazil, has already scored against Portuguese opponents.
He did it against the Vitória de Guimarães two weeks ago, on the Europa League game, scoring two goals that Atletico Madrid defeated Guimaraes.

Interestingly, Elias was pointed to FC Porto by the Spanish press this month, awhen the Falcao's transferring to Madrid .

Elias video: