Soccer-Former Brazil midfielder Melo joins Palmeiras

Jan 8 ( Reuters) - Former Brazil midfielder Felipe Melo has left Inter Milan and signed a three-year contract with Palmeiras, the Brazilian club said on Sunday.

The tough-tackling enforcer joins the reigning Brazilian champions after two years at Inter and a peripatetic career that also included stints at Juventus, Fiorentina and Galatasaray.

Melo played for Brazil at the 2010 World Cup, where he was sent off in their quarter-final exit to the Netherlands.

He has also played for Gremio, Cruzeiro and Flamengo in his homeland.

"I am making a dream come true returning to Brazil at an age where I can still run and do what I most love," the 33-year old said in a statement posted on the club's website.

"It's a great honour to wear this shirt." (Reporting by Andrew Downie; editing by Toby Davis)