BUENOS AIRES, Jan. 11 (Xinhua) -- Paraguay international striker Lucas Barrios has returned to his former club Argentinos Juniors, the Buenos Aires side said on Thursday.
The former Guangzhou Evergrande player signed a two-year contract after parting ways with Brazil's Gremio in December.
"For the past two years we have been wanting and talking about making this happen," Argentinos Juniors said on their official website.
"Today the dream has become reality. Welcome home, Lucas."
Juniors reportedly beat off interest in the 33-year-old from local rivals River Plate, Chile's Colo-Colo and Colombian outfit Junior de Barranquilla.
Born in Argentina to a Paraguayan mother, Barrios began his professional career with Argentinos Juniors in 2003.
His career has also included spells at Borussia Dortmund, Spartak Moscow, Montpellier and Palmeiras.
Barrios scored 18 goals in 44 appearances for Gremio in 2017, helping the team win the Copa Libertadores - South America's top club trophy - and earn a place in the final of the FIFA Club World Cup against Real Madrid.
Juniors are currently 11th in Argentina's top flight standings with five wins, two draws and five defeats.
