Corinthians coach Emerson Leao has understood his player's wish and has promised to help him find another club.

The 24-year-old Marquinhos said at a press conference at Corinthians' Sao Jorge stadium: "They told my mother (during the night of Sunday to Monday) that if I did not leave Corinthians they would kill me and kidnap my family. How could I continue to play for Corinthians?

"I have asked the club to loan me out to a team outside the state of Sao Paulo."

More threats came on Monday when they rang Marquinhos' wife to say his family would suffer if he did not leave.

"I want to go somewhere else to live in peace," Marquinhos added. "I have been at the club for seven years and I have never been happy during this time. My father died recently and my mother has also suffered."

The footballer added he could not say if the threats came from supporters' associations.