Dudu embraces Palmeiras mascots on first Nubank Parque return with Atlético-MG | OneFootball

Dudu returned to Nubank Parque for the first time since leaving Palmeiras, as Atlético-MG visited in the 20th round of the Brasileiro.

According to Globo.com, he hugged the former club’s mascots, Gobatto and the Periquito, and smiled as he came out to warm up. Before kick-off, from the bench, he heard Palmeiras fans chant his name.

In December last year he started when Palmeiras beat Atlético-MG 3-0 in Minas Gerais. This fixture marked his first return to his former club’s stadium after a turbulent exit at the end of 2024.

He departed with 12 titles, 462 games, 88 goals and 102 assists, having become an idol over 10 years.

After a serious right-knee injury he lost his place, and in mid-2024 he agreed a move to Cruzeiro, which Palmeiras accepted, before he backed out. Cruzeiro publicly revealed the agreement at the time.

Relations with the board did not recover, with president Leila Pereira saying his cycle had ended. From June onwards he played 19 matches, starting only four, then on 12 December 2024 he terminated his contract. He initially joined Cruzeiro, then in May 2025 completed a switch to Atlético-MG.

Source: Globo.com