Sao Paulo, April 8 (IANS): Corinthians have signed former Brazil international midfielder Elias on a three-year deal from Portuguese club Sporting Lisbon.

The announcement Monday ends months of speculation about Elias' future after Corinthians reportedly baulked at Sporting's four million euro asking price for 50 percent of the players economic rights, reports Xinhua.

Corinthians did not disclose the value of the transfer.

Elias was signed by Atletico Madrid in 2010, just months after helping Corinthians to the Copa do Brasil title. He spent just one season in the Spainish capital before being sold to Sporting.

"He returns to strengthen Corinthians' bid for the Brazilian championship and Copa do Brasil under the same coach that he had last time, Mano Menezes," Corinthians said.

The 28-year-old, who spent 2013 on loan with Rio de Janeiro side Flamengo, has been capped 13 times for Brazil since his international debut in 2010.