The New Nation - Internet Edition

Reuters, Tokyo

Gamba Osaka's Brazilian striker Magno Alves has been fired by the Japanese club after failing to show up for training three days running.

Suspicions the 31-year-old was in talks with Saudi Arabia's Al Ittihad were confirmed when he appeared on the club's Web site wearing an Ittihad scarf and a broad smile.

Gamba, still in the hunt for this season's J-League title, confirmed today they had terminated the player's contract.

Magno Alves was last season's top scorer with 26 goals. He had scored 65 goals in 115 J-League appearances for Gamba and his previous club Oita Trinita.