Hulk's sister found

Brasilia -The younger sister of Brazil international striker Hulk, who disappeared on Monday, feared kidnapped, has been found after nearly 24 hours and reunited with her family, military police told AFP on Tuesday.

Angelica Aparecida Vieira, 22, was at home in Campina Grande, in northeast Brazil, said major Alecssandro Medeiros, deputy commander of the military police in the area.

The officer, who gave no details about how Vieira was found, added that the authorities were still working to determine whether she was kidnapped, as reported in the Brazilian media.

"We will talk to her to determine if it was an abduction. For now, we only know that she is back home with her family," Medeiros said.

One police officer was quoted as saying by the daily Correio that Vieira had been alone in a car outside a restaurant in Campina Grande on Monday when she was seized by armed gunmen.

Police were asked not to intervene out of fears for her life. it added.

Her brother, Hulk, was told about the situation and his club, Zenit Saint Petersburg, said they were prepared to let him leave Russia to be with his family if required.

The 26-year-old player arrived at Zenit on a reported transfer of €60m in September and is reportedly on a €6.5m a year salary, which has led to a rebellion among lesser-paid Russian players.

The striker is currently sidelined with injury.