RIO DE JANEIRO, Feb. 17 -- Shandong Luneng striker Diego Tardelli has denied speculation linking him with Corinthians and revealed a desire to extend his contract with the Chinese Super League club.
The declaration follows media reports in Brazil claiming that the reigning Brazilian Serie A champions have made an offer to sign the 32-year-old for the 2018 season.
"In the past few days I've received a lot of messages from fans of several clubs and I'm thankful for their support," Tardelli said in a statement on Saturday.
"However my family and I are happy and have adapted very well here. Our intention is to remain."
Tardelli is about to start his fourth season at Shandong Luneng, with whom he has scored 31 goals and provided 15 assists in 69 appearances.
His prolific 2017 season - in which he scored 15 times in 18 Chinese Super League matches - earned the former Real Betis player a recall to Brazil's national squad for World Cup qualifiers against Bolivia and Chile in October.
"I am honored to have my name linked to a major Brazilian club such as Corinthians but there is no negotiation going on with any team," Tardelli said. "I have a contract and my intention is to renew the deal with Shandong Luneng."