HULK lived up to his name once more by sending a rival flying with his firm-but-fair shoulder barge.

The Brazilian icon was making his first appearance for Atletico Mineiro after returning to his homeland.

And it did not take him long to make his presence known in the Campeonato Mineiro clash on Sunday.

Uberlandia midfielder Franco – a braver man than most – decided to try and outmuscle Hulk off the ball.

But the powerful forward was having none of it.

He seemingly put very little effort into his shoulder barge, just trying to shrug Franco off.

Franco, though, was sent across the pitch before sliding even further away as Hulk carried on dribbling.

And the referee – knowing full well Hulk cannot control his strength – sympathised with the 48-cap Selecao international and did not penalise him by awarding a free-kick.

Fans on Twitter loved it – one described him as a 'monster' while others lauded his power and shared Incredible Hulk gifs.

One user wrote: "So, Hulk is back in Brazilian football. In the most 'Hulkish' way possible."

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Another said: "Hulk by name, Hulk by nature."

Hulk, 34, did not get on the scoresheet in the 4-0 win for Mineiro – his first club appearance for a Brazilian team since leaving Victoria in 2005 – although he did set up team-mate Diego Tardelli for the fourth.

Givanildo Vieira de Sousa made a name for himself in Japan before four years apiece at Porto, Zenit St Petersburg and Shanghai SIPG.

He was offered the chance to try his luck in England after leaving the Chinese Super League club at the end of last year.

Wolves were reportedly keen while there were offers from Turkey, Portugal, Spain, Italy and Germany.

But he decided to head back to Brazil, signing a two-year contract in January.

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