Real Madrid's Lucas Silva joins Cruzeiro on 18-month loan

File Photo: Real Madrid's new player Lucas Silva kisses his jersey as he poses during his presentation ceremony at Santiago Bernabeu stadium in Madrid January 26, 2015. REUTERS/Susana Vera

MADRID (Reuters) - Real Madrid midfielder Lucas Silva has rejoined former club Cruzeiro on an 18-month loan deal, the Spanish side announced on Tuesday. The Brazilian has made just nine appearances for Real since moving to the club three years ago and has not featured for Zinedine Zidane's side this season. Silva was set to join Portuguese side Sporting Lisbon last year on a season-long loan but the move fell through when an irregular heartbeat was detected in his medical. The 23-year-old defensive midfielder, who began his career at Cruzeiro, is under contract with Real until June 2020. (Reporting by Adriana Garcia; Editing by Toby Davis)