On-loan Inter striker Adriano can afford to smile again after his two goal haul for Sao Paulo in the Copa Libertadores against Chilean side Audax last night.

The 25-year-old made it back into the headlines for the right reasons again, after having garnered so much negative publicity for headbutting a rival Santos player a few weeks back, and then compounding matters by threatening to beat up a cameraman who dared to ask him why he was leaving team training early after having arrived late.

Adriano was docked 40 percent of his wages as a result of his childish behaviour, which was a slap on the wrist considering that the Paulista's directors discussed were threatening to voiding the player's loan deal.

"The entire world has said their bit on Adriano, I accept criticism, but it's about time I told my side of the story," thundered the big man.

"What was going through my head? I only needed a little more tranquility," he added.

"Those inside the club know what really happened. President Juvenal spoke with me - he has done it in the past with other players - and I am not angry with anyone.

"Everyone has their difficult moments and I am still living mine. When things don't go as we want we are sad. But today, thanks to God, I have scored."

It was not long ago that Adriano was the most feared striker in Serie A, but his star has sunk dramatically over the last two seasons after battling alcohol and fitness problems.