Breno released from prison to coach at Bayern

19 August 2013 10:17

Ex-Bayern Munich defender Breno, who was convicted of arson last year, went straight from prison to his new job as assistant coach of the European champions' junior side on Monday.

The 23-year-old Brazilian was convicted of aggravated arson in July 2012 and sentenced to three years and nine months in prison after he set fire to his rented luxury Munich villa in September 2011.

Having served 13 months, Breno has been granted day release and left Munich's Stadelheim jail for the first time shortly before 0900 local time to help coach Bayern's Under-23 side, but must return to prison every day.

"I have become a bit of a different person. I learned a lot in prison," he said at a press conference. "My wife and my kids were behind me the whole time.

"I've thought a lot about God, and without God there's not much."

Breno will be picked up daily from prison at 0830 local time and after four hours of training with Bayern will be returned to prison by 1330.

"Thanks to Bayern. I'm fine," said the Brazilian, whose German has improved noticeably over the last year.

"The time in prison was hard for me and I am pleased that Bayern will give me this opportunity."

His lawyer is hoping Breno will be released on probation in January at which point he will be deported back to Brazil.

Having kept himself fit, Breno will work alongside the Under-23 team's head coach coach Erik ten Hag, but as a non-EU citizen he is not allowed to play for the junior side.

"We have done everything we can to give Breno this chance at Bayern," said club president Uli Hoeness.

"We have to thank the authorities for their excellent cooperation.

"He will be deported after his imprisonment and will try to play in Brazil."

Breno joined Bayern from Brazil side Sao Paulo in 2008 for 12 million euros ($16 million), making 28 league appearances, but had suffered from depression after picking up a knee injury while on loan at Nuremberg in March 2010.

Champions League winners Bayern had always promised to take Breno back into their employment and a rehabilitation programme has been agreed by immigration authorities and state prosecutors.

Last month, Brazil coach Luis Felipe Scolari called on the Munich authorities to release Breno to allow him to continue his career in his home country.

Source: AFP