[goldenHuddlestone]

Chile striker Mauricio Pinilla has confirmed that he will return to Hearts for the coming season and expects to enjoy a productive spell at Tynecastle.

Pinilla, 23, has travelled around Europe on loan since signing for Internazionale in 2003 and re-joined South American club Universidad de Chile in February.

"After suffering a bad time with Universidad de Chile, including lies in the press about my private life, I am happy to confirm I will return to Hearts," he said.

"I expect to have a good season. From now on I expect to read news in the papers saying that I have played well."

Hearts will buy out half of Pinilla's contract, owned by another former club Sporting Lisbon, while Inter retain the other 50 percent.

"I hope to have a good campaign at Hearts and then the chance to return to Inter because that is my dream," he revealed. "If I have a good pre-season, I am sure that I am going to enjoy success in the next season.

"In addition, it is important that this time I will be in Europe with my family.

"My hope is to get totally fit and then to play again for the Chile national team in the first match of the South American qualifiers in October against Argentina."

Pinilla has been left out of Chile's Copa America squad this summer.