Celtic release Brazil ace Juninho
 |  Juninho has failed to make an impression since joining Celtic at the start of the season. |
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GLASGOW, Scotland -- Brazilian World Cup star Juninho has been released from his contract with Scottish champions Celtic.
The 32-year-old attacking midfielder, who scored just once in 22 appearances for Celtic this season, has been linked with a move to Brazilian club Palmeiras.
He was only seven months into a two-year contract with Celtic.
"Here it is not in the mentality to pass the ball in midfield. It goes directly to the attack and it makes it difficult for midfield players," Juninho said last week, flagging up his likely departure from the club.
"Celtic can confirm that Juninho has been released from his contract," read a statement on the website Tuesday.
"Everyone at the club wishes him all the best for the future."
Juninho has had two playing spells in England with Middlesbrough, scoring 29 times in 125 appearances. He also played in Spain for Atletico Madrid, where he netted 14 times in 55 matches, but also suffered a broken leg.
Juninho was on the Brazilian squad that won a fifth World Cup three years ago in Japan and South Korea.
