Brazilian full-back Dodo has been loaned by Sampdoria to Santos in his home country for the rest of the year, the Serie A club said Thursday.

The 26-year-old -- whose contract with the side from Genoa ran until 2020 -- has been loaned until December 2018 with an option to buy.

The defender had been in Italy since 2012, playing for Roma, Inter Milan and Sampdoria.

But he has failed to make a first-team appearance this season with Sampdoria currently occupying sixth spot in Serie A -- the final Europa League place.