Botafogo admits their plans to sign Christian Vieri have broken down.

The 36-year-old former Inter and AC Milan striker was set to come out of retirement for a six-month contract with the Brazilian third division side, as announced this week.

"Unfortunately it has not been possible to count on Vieri," sighed President Luis Pereira.

"We made every possible effort and were able to make his arrival a reality by raising the money from local sources, but he simply did not turn up.

"Vieri didn't attend his medical and has not made any contact to inform us of what has happened."