RIO DE JANEIRO, Dec. 24 -- Brazilian forward Hulk has expressed a desire to return to his homeland after his contract expires with Shanghai SIPG.
The 32-year-old, who is tied to the current Chinese Super League champions until June 2020, said he has a lifelong goal to represent reigning Brazilian champions Palmeiras, whom he supported as a child.
"There is always speculation linking me with Palmeiras because it's the team that I have always supported," Hulk told Globo Esporte. "It's my wish, I want to go back and play in Brazil, but at the moment it's difficult for that to happen. I have more than two years left on my contract and I'm happy in China."
Hulk has scored 51 goals in 86 appearances for Shanghai SIPG since joining the club from Zenit Saint Petersburg in 2016.
His comments coincide with reports that Guangzhou Evergrande's Brazilian playmaker Ricardo Goulart could join Palmeiras in 2019 on a season-long loan.