[2] However, he would only serve as third-choice in the Portuguese capital side,[3] although he scored in a 2–0 home win against SK Rapid Wien in the club's runner-up run in the UEFA Cup.

[4] Tinga returned to Brazil in December 2004, being sold to Sport Club Internacional[5] and being instrumental in the team's Copa Libertadores success in 2006 as he scored against São Paulo FC in a 4–3 aggregate win.

[6][7] On 26 August he assisted and was booked in his first game, a 3–1 win at VfB Stuttgart,[8] going on to only miss four Bundesliga matches combined in his first two campaigns and adding eight goals.

After a five-year absence he was recalled to the national team by newly appointed manager Dunga, for a friendly against Switzerland, earning his third cap on 15 November 2006.

On 12 February 2014, after a 2–1 loss against Real Garcilaso for the Libertadores Cup, Tinga suffered racist abuse from the home fans, who made monkey noises whenever he touched the ball.