The Globe
Fla rushes to avoid being left without Leonardo Moura
The club is already negotiating with the agent to renew the full-back's contract.
After a year he defines as one of the best of his career, Leonardo Moura is beginning to reap the rewards of his good form. Exercising the priority provided for in his contract, Flamengo is expected to announce an agreement today to bring forward the renewal of his contract, avoiding any kind of pressure from other clubs.
A few days ago, businessman Eduardo Uram revealed that, before the end of the Brazilian Championship, Dinamo Zagreb had made an enquiry, interested in the possibility of signing Leonardo Moura. Since the release clause is relatively low for the European market (R$3 million), Uram and Kleber Leite, vice president of football, began discussing an early renewal.
- I need to continue doing my job well at Flamengo in the competitions we play in 2008 - said Leonardo Moura, who will spend a few days of his vacation in Florianópolis.
Despite the fiscal realignment to join Timemania, which returns the club's Petrobras sponsorship fees, long withheld by court order, Flamengo will not be spared from the drain on match days in 2008. President Márcio Braga revealed that the club will continue to receive a 15% deduction from its box office revenue due to four labor debt executions totaling R$4 million.
- We had a successful year, we restored the self-esteem of the club and the fans, but we still haven't gotten rid of this torment - said Márcio.
Sports Journal
Léo Moura renews until 2011
The best right-back in the last Brazilian Championship will remain at the club for another four years
Nathan de Lima and Thiago Bokel
To the delight of the red-black fans, Léo Moura signs for another four years with Flamengo
Flamengo fans can now celebrate. Contrary to rumors circulating in Gávea throughout the week, right-back Leonardo Moura, one of the team's standout players in 2007, has renewed his contract with Flamengo for another four years. Throughout the day, Flamengo's board of directors scrambled to prevent the full-back from playing in European football.
Vice-president of football Kleber Leite warned just before the meeting that culminated in the athlete's renewal that he really liked the full-back and that if it were up to the club, the player would continue wearing the red-and-black shirt until the end of his career.
"Leonardo Moura is a great athlete and will continue at Flamengo. He will finish his career here with us," said the director, who shortly after meeting with the player's agent, Eduardo Uram, announced the contract extension.
"It will be for another four years. It was considered within Flamengo's reality. It never crossed our minds not to renew. The only doubt we had was whether we would renew for three or four years, but we preferred four," said the director.
Léo Moura's renewal came on the heels of a wave of speculation that flooded Gávea this week. In addition to rumors about Flamengo's future signings, some key players, such as the full-back himself and midfielder Toró, were being approached by European clubs. At least that's what agents say, as they often use these tactics to boost their players' value.
According to businessman Eduardo Uram, Léo Moura had offers from a German club and an Italian club.
Léo Moura has been playing very well and was one of the main highlights of the Flamengo team in the club's excellent recovery during this year's Brazilian Championship. This isn't the first time this type of rumor has circulated about the player, but as with other times, the full-back stated that he was very happy and had no intention of leaving the club. Léo's contract with Flamengo expired in December 2009, but it was renewed until the end of 2011.
Flamengo's Deliberative Council approves 2006 balance sheet
Flamengo's Deliberative Council approved the 2006 financial statements at a meeting held Monday night, attended by 303 council members, in the main hall of the Gávea headquarters. The members had to choose between two proposals: one, from the Deliberative Council's finance committee, which suggested approving the accounts with the creation of commissions of inquiry, received 152 votes, versus the other, from the Fiscal Council, which proposed disapproval, received 98 votes, while 55 did not vote.
The meeting lasted nearly four hours, but it was held in a calm atmosphere. Only board members and club employees had access to the meeting venue.
In his speech during the meeting, president Marcio Braga confirmed that club representatives are in London to discuss with IMG, one of the largest arena and stadium management companies in the world, the club's participation in the consortium that will bring together the CBF and Fluminense for the administration of Maracanã.
According to Kleber, almost nothing is true
There's no point in speculating. Flamengo's signings for the Libertadores have been kept strictly confidential by the board. So far, according to vice president of football Kleber Leite, all the names floated by the press are far from reality. He only confirmed interest in two players.
"Many names are being floated, but the only ones we're negotiating are Conca and Bolívar. The former has a lot of agents, so Beneddetti may not know me. As for the latter, Reinaldo Pitta is leading the negotiations," the executive stated.
Kleber categorically denied the names of Anderson Polga, Fabiano Eller, Acosta, and Paulo Baier. The Argentine midfielder's agent, Hugo de Benedetti, said yesterday that there was no possibility of the player returning to play in Brazil.
Last night, the manager also promised a package of reinforcements, which should be announced before Christmas. It's likely that the priorities will be a center-back, a defensive midfielder, and a left-winger.
Magrão must have a second chance
Midfielder Gerson Magrão, who went largely unnoticed during his first stint with the club, joining Ipatinga while the Serie B season was already underway, ended up being the team's standout performer and should get another chance under Joel Santana. He was being speculated to join Corinthians and Ipatinga, but the trend is that he will return to Gavea.
Two other Minas Gerais players whose status has not been determined are Luizinho and Léo Medeiros. The full-back is confident he will stay:
"My agent (Eduardo Uram) is the one taking care of everything. But the last time we spoke, he told me that my contract renewal is well underway," Luizinho explained.
Léo Medeiros' agent, Orlando da Hora, was in Belo Horizonte last week and one of the topics discussed was Cruzeiro's release for the midfielder to remain at Fla for another season.
"Until proven otherwise, Léo will likely stay at Flamengo. Everything is moving in that direction, and negotiations are well advanced," he stated.
Entourage to London
Investor Dean Bonhan traveled to London yesterday, along with marketing vice president Ricardo Hinrichsen and a lawyer from Flamengo, to discuss the Maracanã bidding process with the CBF and Fluminense. The goal is to discuss the bidding figures with the firm IMG.
Bruno is not unanimous in Gávea
Ursula Nery
Goalkeeper Bruno's value is considered very high by some
The possibility of Flamengo acquiring goalkeeper Bruno's federation rights from the MSI investment fund is causing controversy in Gávea. Not because of the number 1's ability, which is crucial for the team this year, but because by depositing the R$6,5 million requested by Bruno's rights holder, the board would be making a significant investment, forgoing a player who could be in the spotlight but, as a reserve, could be lost.
"Based on these figures being announced, I'm against Bruno staying. He's a goalkeeper who wasn't trained at Flamengo and won't be able to provide the return that Diego, if he were on display, could provide for the club, even with a sale abroad. Bruno is an excellent goalkeeper, and if president Marcio Braga orders the contract to be signed, he would do so without disagreeing with him, but I don't agree," said the club's special projects advisor, Artur Rocha.
The key, according to the director, is to invest in good players who don't cost Flamengo much, as was done with the signings of midfielder Ibson, defender Fábio Luciano, defensive midfielder Cristian and striker Souza, investments made within the club's reality, which didn't weigh on the budget.
"These players are good examples of signings that have given the club a return," the director advised.
Kleber Leite will closely follow the Libertadores draw
On the 19th, football vice-president Kleber Leite is expected to attend the draw for the Copa Libertadores group stage, at Conmebol headquarters in Asunción (Paraguay), along with the club's lawyer, Michel Assef Filho.
Flamengo was chosen by the entity that governs football in South America as one of the seeded teams in the tournament
The State Champion should only be crowned next year
The year 2007 may end without a Rio de Janeiro rowing champion. The controversy surrounding the State Championship is likely to end only in January. This means Vasco and Flamengo fans will have to wait to celebrate the title in the city's most traditional sport. This only harms rowing's image.
The case of the “two with debutant” event, which is under judicial review, is currently with the State Rowing Federation, which needs to forward it to the Confederation.
This court is responsible for taking the case to the Superior Court of Sports Justice, which will schedule a trial to determine which club will win the case. This entire process typically takes ten to fifteen days. With the end-of-year recess, the chances are high that the case will only be heard early next year.
The reason for so much controversy is that Vasco da Gama allegedly participated in the race, which was part of the second regatta, with an athlete who was not registered. The red-and-blacks protested, and the matter was taken to court. Since Vasco da Gama won the case, the Gávea club decided to take the case to the Superior Court of Justice (STJD).
Definition
The pending trial prevented the eight-man debutant competition from taking place last Sunday, as the team declared the two-man champion will have to switch athletes to the competition that hasn't yet taken place. Athletes with three wins are registered to participate in the competition. Whoever "wins" the two-man competition will accumulate four wins and will no longer be a debutant.
Flamengo currently has 250 points in the championship, compared to Vasco's 249. If the court rules in favor of Vasco, the eight-point score will decide the champion.
Otherwise, the red-blacks will take the cup regardless of the result of the competition that has not yet taken place.
Duel of rivals will mobilize the city
Attention now turns to the championship final. The city's most popular derby will set the Maracanãzinho on fire. As soon as the derby against Fluminense ended, Vasco coach José Carlos Vidal made his predictions for the decisive series against Flamengo.
"The team improved its positioning and came out on the court today (yesterday) more focused. But against Flamengo it will be a new story and we have to keep improving. I saw some mistakes in the offensive sector and we will have to develop this fundamental better," said the coach, who is concerned about his team's excessive number of games at the end of the year.
"At this point in the championship, there's no point worrying too much about training. What my players need, more than anything, is rest."
In Gávea, expectations for the series of duels that will determine the state champion are also high. Winger Marcelinho is betting on very close matches. "It's going to be a tough series. There's a whole history behind these teams. We're in the final, and now we're going to fight for this third title."
MARACANÃZINHO - The Basketball Federation announced yesterday that the Maracanãzinho gymnasium will also host the third game of the final (if necessary). To this end, the date of the final match has been changed. It will be on Sunday, instead of Saturday, as previously scheduled.
O Dia
Fla: Léo Moura, the priority
Kléber Leite begins negotiations to extend his contract and keep him at Gávea
Martha Esteves
Rio - It was enough to know that Dinamo, from Zagreb (Croatia), was interested in signing right-back Leonardo Moura for Flamengo's vice-president of football, Kléber Leite, to roll up his sleeves in an attempt to extend his contract.
Although he hasn't yet received an official offer for the player, Kléber will meet with the right-back's agent, Eduardo Uram, to extend his contract until the end of 2010, in addition to proposing a substantial salary increase for the player. His current contract expires at the end of 2009, but the €2 million release clause is considered low.
In the ongoing debate surrounding the purchase and sale of reinforcements, midfielder Darío Conca's agent, Hugo Benedetti, denied having contacted any Flamengo executives. He also assured that the Vasco da Gama supporter will not continue in Brazilian football.
But Kléber claims he was approached by a representative of the player, who gave the green light to begin negotiations for the loan of the Argentine, whose contract with Vasco expires on January 7. According to the club's director, the negotiations did not progress because the loan amount was above the club's financial means.
"Conca must have a lot of agents, because one of them called me offering the player to Flamengo," said the Flamengo director.
In another controversial situation, defender Bolívar's agent, Neco Cirne, denied that the Monaco player from France is being negotiated with Flamengo. According to the agent, he only offered praise for the club, stating that any player would be interested in playing in the Libertadores for Flamengo.
"There are some situations in Brazil, but no one from Flamengo has contacted me. There's someone in Rio who is our partner and hasn't told us anything. Some statements they've written in my name aren't mine," the prosecutor said in an interview with Rádio Brasil.
Souza approves having a new partner
Amid year-end speculation, Flamengo is still searching for a striker to compete in the Copa Libertadores. But top scorer Souza isn't concerned about the name of his potential partner: he simply wants to help the team win its second state championship and the Copa Libertadores.
Like full-back Juan, he believes the club should only bring in quality players. "I think it's important to sign reinforcements to help the team, which needs to be stronger to compete for two important titles, like the State Championship and the Copa Libertadores," said Souza.
One of those likely to return to Gávea is midfielder Gérson Magrão, who helped Ipatinga advance to the First Division. The club's coaching staff hasn't given the green light yet, but the midfielder is pleased to know he could get another chance at Gávea.
"I'm happy to hear that Flamengo is interested in my return. I haven't had many opportunities and only played once in my original position. I was evaluated for just one game," commented Gérson Magrão.
Espanyol does not release Jônatas to Flamengo
Spain - Flamengo has dreamed for the third time of bringing back defensive midfielder Jônatas for next season, especially the Copa Libertadores. However, the directors of Espanyol, in Spain, have already announced that they will not accept the player's release without financial compensation. The information was released this Monday by the Spanish newspaper "Mundo Deportivo."
Espanyol's plan is to get rid of Jônatas, who has never managed to establish himself in Spain and is mired in disciplinary issues, by paying the full transfer fee, around three million euros. According to the newspaper, Espanyol's director of football, Paco Herrera, was unhappy with Flamengo's renewed pursuit of the player.
Sports Gazette
Conca's agent denies negotiations with Flamengo\ Gazeta Press\
Rio de Janeiro (RJ) - In recent days, Rio de Janeiro soccer news has been buzzing with reports that Flamengo could attempt to sign midfielder Dario Conca, whose loan with Vasco ends in early January. This Monday, agent Hugo de Benedetti, who is looking after the player's interests, confirmed that he has not initiated any negotiations with the red-and-black club. "I haven't spoken to anyone at Flamengo, but Conca has shown good football this year and I know there are many clubs in Brazil and abroad interested," the agent said in an interview with Rádio Brasil.
Despite stating that Conca maintains a great affection for Vasco, Hugo de Benedetti did not rule out the possibility of the Argentine playing for Flamengo, if an offer were made in the coming days.
The Argentine could arrive at Rubro-negro to fill the gap left by midfielder Roger, who left the Gávea team last week after failing to reach an agreement to renew his contract, which ends at the end of this year.
Joel Santana asks for three reinforcements for the Libertadores
Rio de Janeiro (RJ) - Coach Joel Santana said after the Brazilian Championship team's 3-0 victory over the Olympic team this Sunday in Rio de Janeiro that Flamengo needs to strengthen its squad with three players for the 2008 Copa Libertadores. The priority, according to the coach, is signing a left midfielder, since Roger was released last week. "I'm going to meet with the president (Márcio Braga) this week and I'm going to ask him to make three signings," revealed the Flamengo manager. "I'll definitely look into the possibility of signing a left midfielder," he added.
Joel expressed confidence in Cristian's continued presence, as he has received an offer from Lokomotiv Moscow, and praised Jônatas, a former Rubro-negro player who has already been included in the board's plans to replace the midfielder's eventual departure to Russian football.
"Cristian hasn't been sold yet; nothing's finalized," the coach assured. "Jônatas is an interesting player; he worked with me at Flamengo in late 2005 and would be a good alternative," he concluded.
If Cristian leaves Flamengo, the Rio de Janeiro club also has another option for midfield. Flamengo could try to sign defensive midfielder Erandir, who played for Atlético-PR in the last Brazilian Championship.
A homegrown solution to bolster the midfield is defensive midfielder Rômulo. About a month after surgery on his right knee, the player is undergoing intensive treatment and should return to training with the group in February, according to doctors' forecasts.
For Flamengo's defense, the name being discussed at Flamengo is Bolívar, currently at Monaco. The player's agents deny any offer from the red-and-black club. Bolívar, who played for Internacional, is also in Cruzeiro's plans for next season.
PeléNet
Flamengo acts quickly and extends Léo Moura's contract
From UOL Esporte\ In Rio de Janeiro\
Flamengo's board wasted no time. Keen to "keep" Leonardo Moura, vice president of football Kleber Leite confirmed that the player's contract, which expires in December 2009, will be extended with the Gávea club.
"The contract will be extended for another four years. Given what he has been doing at Flamengo, it is more than fair that he has a salary increase. Everything will be considered within the club's reality, without any crazy things," said the director, who met with the player's agent, Eduardo Uram, on Monday night.
Still in an interview with Rádio Tupi, Kleber took the opportunity to emphasize that conversations were already being held and a happy ending would only be a matter of time.
"This renewal is a long-standing issue. We were only unsure whether it would be extended for three or four years," the club's director emphasized.
Born in Niterói, Leonardo da Silva Moura is 29 years old (10/23/1978) and arrived at Gávea in 2005. In addition to Fla, the full-back played for other big clubs in Rio, Botafogo (where he started his career), Vasco and Fluminense
Flamengo did not seek defender Bolívar, says businessman
From UOL Esporte\ In Rio de Janeiro\
Flamengo wants to sign a defender to partner Fábio Luciano during the 2008 Copa Libertadores. But it's unlikely to be Bolívar, who won the continental tournament with Internacional in 2006 and is currently with Monaco-FRA. The defender's agent, Neco Cirne, is the one who guarantees this.
"There are some situations in Brazil, but no one from Flamengo has contacted me. There is someone in Rio who is our partner and has not passed anything on to us. Some statements that have been written in my name are not mine," said the prosecutor in an interview with Rádio Brasil.
"The only thing I said is that Flamengo is a big, massive team and that there's always interest in playing there and competing in the Libertadores. But that's it," he continued.
Cirne announced that he will meet with Cruzeiro's board this Monday. The meeting will include Bolívar and midfielder Paulo Baier.
German football's proposal doesn't take Souza away from Flamengo
From UOL Esporte\ In Rio de Janeiro\
Despite not having a great performance for Flamengo this season, Souza has attracted the attention of German football. However, the striker has stated his intention to remain at Gávea for the 2008 season. He is already feeling settled in at the club.
"I have a two-year contract and I don't intend to leave Flamengo. There was this offer from Germany, but I'm happy here," he said, without giving any clues as to which club is interested.
Souza hopes that Rubro-Negro maintains its base so that it can achieve good results not only in the State Championship, but also in the Copa Libertadores da América, which is considered a top priority for the Gávea club.
"It's important to maintain the team, especially because those who are here have proven themselves worthy of the Flamengo shirt," he concluded.
Rodrigo de Souza Cardoso scored 15 goals and was Flamengo's top scorer this season. Of these, six were scored in the Brazilian Championship.
BalloonSport
Fla extends Leo Moura's contract
In a quick meeting, the club guarantees the right-back until 2011 with the red and black shirt
Eduardo Peixoto
Leo Moura celebrates goal for Flamengo
Flamengo acted quickly to retain Leo Moura. On Monday night, the club's vice president of football, Kléber Leite, met with the player's agent, Eduardo Uram, in Gávea and agreed to extend the contract until 2011.
The right-back's previous contract ran until 2009. Fla increased the termination fee (the amount was not disclosed) and gave the player a salary increase.
- Everything's fine. We'll keep Leo until 2011 - announces Kléber Leite.
In recent days, Leo Moura's representative has received three offers from European football. Since 2005 at Gávea, Leonardo Moura has been considered one of the team's main attacking weapons. In this Brasileirão, he won the CBF award for best right-back.
Kléber Leite promises a Christmas package
Rubro-Negro's vice president of football intends to announce some reinforcements even before Christmas
Kléber Leite aims to make Christmas happier for Flamengo fans. Flamengo fans have a reason to be more excited this Christmas. Vice President of Football Kléber Leite said Monday that the club will announce a package of reinforcements for next season before the end of the year.
"We should announce everything at once. Make a big package around Christmas," he assures.
The director, however, did not want to reveal the names considered by the club, but confirmed that everything was discussed with coach Joel Santana, who is already on vacation.
Throw
Márcio Braga has his accounts approved
By 152 votes to 98, the Deliberative Council gives the OK to the accounts
The Flamengo Deliberative Council's vote on the 2006 accounts lasted until dawn in Gávea. The council members voted 152-98 to approve the accounts. With this, President Marcio Braga secured a significant victory in the political tug-of-war against the Fiscal Council.
The meeting began around 19:40 p.m. this Monday and only ended around midnight. The opposition, led by Leonardo Ribeiro, chairman of the Fiscal Council, wanted the accounts rejected. They opened commissions of inquiry, revealing irregularities in 2006, such as Ibson's transfer to Porto (POR). Flamengo was cheated out of €150 by Pentland. But most of the council members understood that Flamengo would be negatively affected in 2008 if the 2006 accounts were rejected.
Former presidents Hélio Ferraz and Kléber Leite (current vice president of football) were two of the many council members who spoke in favor of the approval. President Marcio Braga celebrated the defeat of the opposition by mockingly.
"There's nothing to celebrate. The accounts are correct, and the Fiscal Council is completely unprepared. They want to turn administrative facts into political facts. I was already certain everything would be approved. We're managing an institution that was in a state of insolvency," said Marcio Braga, continuing to provoke. "The opposition doesn't understand the situation Flamengo is experiencing. On one side, they're acting in bad faith, on the other, incompetence. It was easy to win against a group like that," concluded Marcio Braga.
Around 295 councillors signed the attendance book, but only 250 voted.
Fla: Bolívar case to be concluded by Wednesday
Internacional, Flamengo and Cruzeiro are competing for the defender
Fred Gomes RIO DE JANEIRO
Hugo Perruso RIO DE JANEIRO
The real possibility of Monaco-FRA defender Bolívar being signed by Flamengo will be revealed this week. Businessman Reinaldo Pitta, who is handling negotiations with Flamengo, will meet with Vice President of Football Kléber Leite to discuss the matter.
"There has been no developments regarding Bolívar. News will only be released on Tuesday or Wednesday," Pitta stated.
But Flamengo will face competition from Cruzeiro for Bolívar. The defender's agent, Neco Cirne, will meet with the Minas Gerais club's executives this Monday. The topic of discussion will be Bolívar's fate.
According to Neco, Internacional would also be interested. And Bolívar has no preference. The defender wants to return to Brazil for his two-month-old daughter:
"They're great teams. I'll leave it in the hands of my agent. I spoke with Ricardo Gomes (Monaco's coach), but we haven't sat down to discuss it yet. We'll only do so when we have something more concrete."
Kléber Leite promises a 'big package' for Christmas
Manager says he will announce list of reinforcements before 2007 ends
Flamengo fans must be excited. Vice President of Football Kléber Leite said on Monday that the club will announce a package of reinforcements for next season before the end of the year.
"We should announce everything at once. Make a big package around Christmas," the official assured.
The director, however, did not want to reveal the names considered by the club, but confirmed that everything was discussed with coach Joel Santana, who is already on vacation.
Souza is betting on a 2008 full of joy
Striker dreams of being the top scorer in next year's Copa Libertadores
Souza wants to win the state championship for the second time in 2008
Striker Souza is banking on a 2008 season filled with joy for Flamengo fans. In high regard with Flamengo's board and fans, Souza has dispelled the fans' suspicions by scoring important goals this year.
"The board has to maintain the group, which is quality. We have to win the Carioca like we did this year and enter the Libertadores strong. I'm sure we'll bring a lot of joy to the fans," the striker told Rádio Tupi.
When asked if he dreams of being the top scorer in the Libertadores, the striker didn't hide his desire.
"It's a dream that can come true. Who knows, maybe next year I can help Flamengo by being the top scorer in the Libertadores," he concluded.
Flamengo will make a 'decision' in the Brazilian U-20
Rubro-Negro plays for a draw to advance to the quarter-finals
After being defeated 2-0 by Internacional on Sunday, Flamengo will face Náutico this Wednesday, in Passo D'Areia - one of the competition's venues, in Rio Grande do Sul, and only needs a draw to qualify as second place in Group 1 of the Brazilian Under-20 Championship.
If they advance to the quarterfinals, Flamengo will face Cruzeiro (Group 3 champions). With six points (1-0 wins over Palmeiras and Paulista), Flamengo has two more than Náutico, the only team that can take their spot.
Ibson doesn't plan on returning to Europe soon.
Flamengo's midfielder was one of the highlights of the last Brazilian Championship
After scoring the second goal in the Brasileirão team's 3-0 victory over the Olympic team this Sunday at the Engenhão stadium, midfielder Ibson stated that he has no plans to return to European football. Satisfied at Flamengo, he wants to stay in Brazil, dreaming of achieving the visibility needed to wear the Brazilian national team jersey.
"Every player dreams of playing in Europe, but my experience there was bad. If I have to leave, it will be a burden. Staying in Brazil will be better for my career," Ibson told SporTV.
The midfielder was developed at Gávea and later sold to Porto, Portugal, where he had a difficult relationship with coach Jesualdo Ferreira and spent countless time on the bench. He returned in August of this year and was Flamengo's top scorer in the Brasileirão, with six goals.
Ibson has a contract with Flamengo until June 30, 2008.