Elano fully fit for most important tournament

Brazilian and Santos midfield schemer Elano said on Friday that the Club World Cup was the most important tournament in his colourful career and that he was fully fit after injury. The 30-year-old international, whose career has included stints in England, Turkey and Ukraine, is key to the Copa Libertadores champions’ chances at the annual tournament of continental winners. Many expect Santos to face the mighty Barcelona in the final on Dec.18, but first the Brazilians must negotiate a potentially tricky tie against either Japanese champions Kashiwa Reysol or Mexico’s Monterrey. “We plan to have two matches here and I feel that these are the most vital matches in my life,” said the former Manchester City star, whose World Cup in South Africa last year was cut short through injury. Niggles have plagued him since, most lately to a thigh, but the curly-haired Elano told a packed press conference in Japan ahead of Wednesday's semi-final that he was primed for action.