Fluminense part ways with former Brazil duo

RIO DE JANEIRO, Dec. 28 (Xinhua) -- Former Brazil internationals Diego Cavalieri and Henrique were among eight players released by Fluminense on Thursday as part of a major overhaul of the the Rio de Janeiro club's squad.

Others to be cut included Roma midfielder Marquinho and one-time Arsenal winger Wellington Silva.

"We are working to have a group of players that will allow us to be competitive in 2018 while remaining within our budget," the club's executive director Marcus Vinicius said. "We are making a concerted effort to reduce our salary commitments."

Goalkeeper Cavaleiri, capped three times for Brazil, represented Fluminense 352 times over seven seasons. Henrique, a center-back who made seven appearances for the Selecao, spent two seasons with the Tricolor after his 2015 move from Napoli.

In addition, the club announced the departures of forward Maranhao, left-back Arthur, midfielder Higor Leite and striker Robert.

The four-time Brazilian top flight champions finished 14th in the country's 20-team Serie A standings in 2017 with just 11 wins from 38 matches.

Fluminense will begin pre-season training on January 3 at their Barra da Tijuca headquarters in Rio's west. Endtiem