Brazilian ace Leonardo is
back with AC Milan

Brazilian winger Leonardo has rejoined AC Milan, the Serie A club said on Wednesday.

The signing is a major surprise but may be designed to give coach Carlo Ancelotti an extra option if he wants to rest his first-choice forwards during a busy season in Serie A and the Champions League.

Leonardo left Milan in June 2000 after four seasons and returned to Brazil where he played for Sao Paolo and Flamengo.

The 33-year-old, who has also played with Paris St Germain and Japanese club Kashima Antlers during his career, was not selected for the Brazil squad at the World Cup finals.

Milan have made an impressive start to the season and Leonardo will join a strong Brazilian contingent after the signing of Rivaldo from Barcelona during the close season.

Goalkeeper Dida, winger Serginho and defender Roque Junior, who is currently injured, are also on Milan's books.

Rivaldo and Leonardo were part of the Brazil squad during the 1998 World Cup finals.

Second-placed Milan are unbeaten in Serie A and top their Champions League group with a 100 per cent record from three games.