From Bayern Munich and Juventus to Serie D: Douglas Costa set to join Chievo Verona | OneFootball

Douglas Costa nears the end of a fantastic transfer story. The 35-year-old Brazilian, once of Bayern Munich and Juventus, is now set to return to Italy with Serie D side Chievo Verona.

On first reading, this tale seems like a hoax. Yet, when the further details emerge, and Gianluca Di Marzio’s seal of approval arrives, it all makes sense.

Following an A-League stint with Sydney FC down under, Costa had been a free agent for six months. He had reportedly had interest from both his homeland, with Flamengo, and reportedly even further on the South American continent, from 26-time Paraguayan national champions, Libertad.

As Gazzetta dello Sport somewhat bemusedly explains, the eventual Chievo transfer came about with the involvement of club president Pietro Laterza. He has joint powers within Emirati outfit, Al-Ittifaq, who Costa will join after this brief return to Italy, which is believed to last until the end of the season.

In June, Costa will move on to the UAE after regaining match fitness in Italy’s fourth tier, where he’ll link up with fellow journeyman Mario Balotelli. This will continue a veritable world tour for the Rio Grande do Sul native, one that now sees him having plied his trade in seven different countries.

GIFN | Max Bradfield