The Globe
In an emotional farewell, Renato says 'see you soon' to Fla
Ney regrets not having 11 like him and chooses his replacement: Renato Augusto
Photo caption: RENATO, WITH a tearful face, gives his last autographs in Gávea, before leaving Flamengo
Márcio Tavares
It wasn't exactly a goodbye. In his emotional "see you soon" farewell to Flamengo, in exchange for Al-Nasr's petrodollars, Renato made clear his passion for the red-and-black club and also left the doors of Gávea open for a possible return from the United Arab Emirates, where he is expected to stay for ten months. At 29, the midfielder, who was signed in April 2005 and quickly became a fan favorite for his determination and goals (46), seemed to have mixed feelings in his farewell.
When the crying began, right as Renato's vice president of football, Kleber Leite, was waving goodbye, the player's eyes were already red. He was a little more subdued than Kleber, who left quickly, leaving Renato to hold back his emotions and say goodbye:
"I want to make it clear that this isn't goodbye, but rather a see you soon. I'm so emotional, almost in tears. I'm happy for the fans' recognition. I felt a strong connection with Flamengo. I spent the best part of my career here. I'm not a mercenary. I just want to feel good wherever I play and give my family peace of mind," said Renato.
A fiery player, Renato often sparked controversy and even arguments due to his intemperate rants. In a quick but always moving retrospective, he concluded that his three seasons at Gávea saw more positive moments than negative ones.
"I've had success, some mistakes, some confusion, but I've learned a lot here. I've won three titles, and under six or seven coaches, I've always been a starter and only been substituted once. I can only thank these fans, who curse and fight, but get excited and play along with us," said the player.
Just before signing his contract termination with the red-and-black club, the final proof of the midfielder's connection with the fans. Renato couldn't hold back the tears as he signed autographs for a small group of fans, some of whom begged him to stay.
Coach Ney Franco was tasked with finding a replacement for the midfielder. In the coach's view, the player who most closely matches the departing player's profile is his namesake, Renato Augusto.
- I think Renato Augusto is capable of performing the role and leadership that Renato Abreu performed.
During his remarks about the loss of players, Ney Franco unconsciously took a dig at his men:
"If we had 11 Renatos on the field, we'd be a practically invincible team. Besides being a leader, he's tactically well-rounded. He's played midfielder, defensive midfielder, left winger, and striker. It's always good to have players with technical quality and versatility on the roster," said Neymar.
Sports Journal
Renato goes, Obina returns
Supporter, signed by Al-Nasr, says goodbye to the club and striker is ready to play
Leo Schabbach and Thiago Bokel
The great idol — Striker Obina is training hard at Gávea to return to the field on the 19th, against Paraná
July 2007, 19, was a day of mixed emotions at Gávea. While the mood on the sidelines was saddened by the departure of captain and idol Renato, on the field, the players rejoiced at the return of their favorite Obina. The striker is confirmed for the match on the XNUMXth against Paraná at Parque do Sabiá. He will return as the club's great hope in this Brazilian Championship and also alleviate the heavy blow suffered by the departure of its captain to Al-Nasr in the United Arab Emirates.
Obina's return really resonated with his teammates, who, despite feeling the impact of Renato's departure, held one of the most lively training sessions since the club entered the relegation zone. The striker's return, surprisingly timely, as doctors have already revealed, comes at a good time, leaving the team more motivated and less deprived due to the loss of Renato. The midfielder is currently Flamengo's top scorer this season, with 13 goals.
Although he is leaving Gávea after just over two years, the supporter reaffirmed his love for Rubro-Negro yesterday and thanked the management, players and coaching staff for their kindness.
"It's a very sad moment, but it's just a see you soon. I spent the best moments of my career here and I can only thank the board, the players, who were my second family, and the coaching staff. I hope to return one day," said the player, clearly dejected.
Afterwards, Renato explained that, despite his desire to stay at Flamengo, it was time to leave, as he was considered to be old and needed to ensure financial stability.
"I had doubts at times, but I can't let the opportunity pass me by more than once, because otherwise you lose it. I'm 29 years old and I need to think about my family's future," he said.
Despite losing a very important player, Flamengo will not leave empty-handed, as Renato's transfer will bring in R$2 million for the club, money that can be used to sign other reinforcements.
Sporting Braga coach wants Ibson
And another club has entered the race for midfielder Ibson. According to the Portuguese newspaper "Record," Sporting Braga is reportedly interested in the player. The club is led by coach Jorge Costa, who worked with Ibson at Porto and greatly appreciates the midfielder's football. The Portuguese club would like to count on the young player, who came through the ranks at Rubro-Negro, next season.
Although no official offer has yet reached Ibson, a possible interest from Sporting could create a stalemate between the midfielder and Porto. The club, which holds his rights, is the one who can truly decide his fate. Ibson, however, is fighting to assert his desire to return to Gávea. According to his father, Laís Silva, the player would be willing to forgo any financial advantage to return to Flamengo.
"You can write it down. Ibson isn't interested in financial gain. He wants to go to Flamengo. Now that Renato has left and Renato Augusto is on the national team, he really wants to come back. After all, my son is a Flamengo fan and is suffering a lot with Flamengo's situation in the Brazilian league," he said.
Today, a meeting between Porto, attorney Eduardo Uram and Ibson will define the player's future.
Renato's farewell causes commotion in Gávea
Ursula Nery/JS
Goodbye — Renato signs autographs at Gávea and says goodbye to the fans. The captain says it's just a see you soon
Committed to honoring Flamengo's jersey since the first day he arrived at the club in April 2005, the fanatic Renato is beginning to be missed by the coaching staff, board of directors, and fans. Vice President of Football Kleber Leite, shaken by the player's departure, sought to emphasize the importance of Renato's time at the club.
"It was an irreversible situation. We will miss him. He's a dear person, but we know it's for his own good. Renato honored our shirt like few others, and I'd venture to say that if we had 11 players like him on the field, we'd be almost unbeatable," the director gushed.
Another player who praised his former captain's qualities was coach Ney Franco, who considered the midfielder his voice of command on the field. Now, he will have the task of finding a replacement within the group to fulfill his trusted man's role.
"Renato was one of the most tactically complete players I've ever worked with. He played in multiple roles and always delivered. He was a player who gave us the opportunity to change our tactics during the match without making substitutions. I hope I can find a worthy replacement among the players," said the coach.
In just over two years with the red-and-black jersey, Renato scored 46 goals in 130 games. He was substituted only once during his entire time with the club, in the match against América in this year's Campeonato Carioca. He is expected to travel to the United Arab Emirates by next week, where he will report to his new club, Al Nasr. Renato's contract will run for ten months.
Flamengo plays a training match against Olaria
Flamengo will not play in the Brazilian Championship until July 19th, when they face Paraná. To maintain their match rhythm, Flamengo's management decided to hold a training match against Olaria at 10 am at the Vargem Grande training center.
Rubro-Negro has eight points from eight games. They've won just one, drawn five, and lost two.
O Dia
Renato: "Nowadays I would only play for Flamengo"
Supporter officially left the club, but promises to return
Rio - This Tuesday, in Gávea, fan Renato officially signed off and said goodbye to Flamengo. He agreed to transfer to Al-Nasr in the United Arab Emirates, where he will stay for ten months. In his almost emotional speech, Renato made a point of stating that he will be back soon and, above all, said that these days he would only support the Rubro-Negro.
"I really identified with the fans; they were the three best seasons of my career, and it's even difficult to talk about saying goodbye, because we might end up in tears. It certainly won't be a goodbye, but rather a see you soon. Nowadays, I would really only play for Flamengo," said Renato, who was reinforced by the club's vice president of football, Kléber Leite.
"I'm expressing our sadness at Renato's departure. It was a very complicated situation, and in a way, we were even a little pleased to see someone we love so much achieve professional success. I hope he goes on his adventure abroad, is successful, and ends soon before returning," the director emphasized.
Sports Gazette
Bruno confirms renewal and wants to regain ownership\ Gazeta Press\
Rio de Janeiro (RJ) - Amid the news that midfielder Renato has left Flamengo, goalkeeper Bruno has confirmed his three-month contract renewal. Relieved by the decision, the player didn't seem concerned about the clause that allows him to be released immediately if an offer comes in from abroad. "We finally reached the end of this story with a happy ending, and it was worth the fight to stay at Flamengo. I fought to stay, and I did. I no longer have to think about leaving Flamengo, but rather staying and helping the team earn the points needed to escape the relegation zone," the athlete declared.
Not even the possibility of leaving before the three months are up disturbs Bruno's peace of mind. "The fact that I already have a contract in place gives me peace of mind, because without any commitment, the athlete is shaken, sad, and has his performance affected. There is a three-month contract, but it provides for automatic renewal until the end of the year, and that gives me peace of mind," Bruno explained.
The player is expected to have his documentation in order to be selected against Paraná Clube on July 19th in Uberlândia, Minas Gerais. However, he's aware that he'll have to compete for a starting spot with Diego. "That's up to me now, and I'll have to prove I can reclaim the position. Diego has proven he can be selected whenever the coaching staff wants, but despite having a lot of respect for him, I really want to wear the number one jersey again and I'll fight for it," he said.
Also this Tuesday morning, goalkeeper Marcelo Lomba fainted during training and was attended to by doctor Walter Martins, who reassured everyone that the incident occurred because the athlete had not been eating properly. The doctor also confirmed that right-back Leonardo Moura, with a grade 1 strain in his right thigh, may be cleared to play for Paraná, but to do so, he will need to show improvement in his training this week. Just like on Tuesday, the squad will work full-time on Wednesday, with physical training in the morning and tactical work in the afternoon.
Renato leaves Fla, but Kléber Leite promises a replacement\ Gazeta Press\
Rio de Janeiro (RJ) - Tuesday morning was a mixed bag of good and bad news for Flamengo fans. On the same day that goalkeeper Bruno's three-month contract renewal was announced, Flamengo's vice president of football, Kléber Leite, confirmed that midfielder Renato Abreu had left Gávea and transferred to Al-Nasr in the United Arab Emirates. "Renato is a thirty-year-old player who needed to establish financial independence. We tried to keep him at Flamengo until the end of the year, but his new club refused to accept the situation, and unfortunately, he's leaving. But he leaves the door open for a return one day, as he has always behaved with dignity and helped us immensely with his excellent football. I hope he's happy," the director commented.
The Rio de Janeiro club will receive US$1,15 million (approximately R$2 million) for the player's departure, and the money will be used to hire a replacement, a topic also discussed by Kléber Leite. "You can bet that Flamengo will hire a replacement to replace Renato, because a bag of money doesn't go on the field and score goals. You'll have news on this in the coming days," he revealed.
One name that is being considered to replace Renato is Ibson, a player who came through Flamengo's youth ranks and is currently linked to Porto, but has confirmed that he intends to leave the Portuguese club.
The athlete hasn't been used by coach Jesualdo Ferreira. "I have a contract until 2009, but the coach has already said he doesn't count on me being in the squad, and I respect his decision. I'm not the one who wants to leave Porto; I just don't fit into his options. I'll wait for my agent, who arrives on Wednesday, to decide my future together. Flamengo is a club where I've been very happy, and I'm grateful to know this offer exists," he stated.
PeléNet
In his "see you soon" message, Renato thanks Flamengo for the "best years"\ Marcelo Ferreira\ In Rio de Janeiro\ Midfielder Renato is leaving Flamengo to join Al Nassr in the United Arab Emirates. In his farewell speech, the player said he will miss the three years he spent with the red-and-black team and thanked everyone at the club. He cried while signing autographs for the fans present at Gávea.\
"I had the best three seasons of my career here. I can only thank the board, the players, and the coaching staff for the recognition. I really identified with the club and the fans. I hope to return. This isn't a farewell, but a see you soon," said the athlete.
Renato was full of praise for Flamengo's fans and said he will miss the affection they feel. "They demand a lot, they curse, but they always play together. I'll definitely miss that," said the midfielder, adding: "It wasn't just the titles [2006 Copa do Brasil and 2007 State Championship] that I won here, but the recognition. I was a starter under every coach and was substituted only once."
Coach Ney Franco lamented the midfielder's departure and commented on his importance to Flamengo. He said Renato is one of the most versatile players he has ever managed.
"Tactically, he was very important. He was also crucial on set pieces. He's one of the most complete players I've ever worked with. Versatile and gave me a lot of options," said the coach.
Léo Medeiros is running for Flamengo's official free kick taker.
The confirmation of midfielder Renato's departure on Tuesday, in addition to removing the team captain, caused Flamengo to lose one of its main attacking weapons of recent seasons: free-kick goals. However, a player has already stepped up to fill the club's official kicker position: Léo Medeiros.
"I'm always training, now with even more responsibility. I'm going to improve myself to be able to fill in for him [Renato]," commented the midfielder, who was named by coach Ney Franco as a starter in the team's last three games in the Brazilian Championship, against Internacional-RS, Atlético-MG and São Paulo.
Léo Medeiros scored two goals in 2007, both from free kicks, in the Rio State Championship, when Flamengo was split between competing in this competition (fielding a reserve team during the second round) and the Copa Libertadores. He scored against Volta Redonda and Friburguense.
The midfielder is far from reaching his former teammate in the club's top scorer list this year - 13 goals -, but in this regard, they are very close, as Renato has found the net three times this season in this way - against Madureira-RJ, América-RJ (both games in the Fluminense championship) and Defensor-URU (in the Libertadores).
Léo Medeiros explained the differences between his way of taking free kicks and that of the midfielder who transferred to Al-Nassr, in the United Arab Emirates: "He is a player who usually takes shots from long and medium distance, hitting the ball with force and direction. My characteristic is taking shots when the free kick is closer to the goal."
Ney Franco is already starting to think about Flamengo without Renato\ Marcelo Ferreira\ In Rio de Janeiro\ After the official confirmation of the departure of midfielder Renato, who left Flamengo for Al-Nassr, in the United Arab Emirates, coach Ney Franco has already started to think about his likely replacement in the creation of the attacking plays of the red-black team from Rio de Janeiro.\
"We'll wait for the return of Renato Augusto, who is with the national team, as he has played as a playmaker several times. We have Léo Lima, who can be used in that position. We don't have anyone with Renato's characteristics in our squad, but we'll continue our work," said Ney Franco.
Renato was in Gávea this Tuesday, where he said goodbye to his former teammates and gave a press conference. When asked who would replace him in Flamengo's starting lineup, the athlete preferred to leave the question to coach Ney Franco.
"Anyone can be Flamengo's number 11, I don't know who Ney Franco will choose. You just have to work hard like I did when I was at the club and you'll be successful and recognized," said Renato.
While he waits to name the midfielder's replacement, coach Ney Franco continues preparing the team for their next Brazilian Championship match, against Paraná Clube, on the 19th in Uberlândia, Minas Gerais. The Gávea club is currently 18th in the competition and in the relegation zone.
BalloonSport
Crying, Renato says see you soon
Player leaves Flamengo promising to return: 'I apologize to the fans'\ Eduardo Peixoto\
GLOBOESPORTE.COM\ Renato cries at Flamengo's farewell. He's going to Al-Nasr\
Renato's final act at Flamengo was tinged with sadness. His shirt was red, but no longer embroidered with the CRF crest. His left eye was swollen shut from a blow in the last game. But if it was from crying so much, it wouldn't be surprising.
As soon as he arrived for the interview, the supporter received a hug and words of praise from Kléber Leite. The vice president of football made a point of thanking him and wishing him good luck at Al-Nasr, in the United Arab Emirates.
"There was no other alternative. We just have to say thank you very much for everything he did here. Few have honored this jersey like he has," said the manager, who left the interview with tears in his eyes.
Beside him, Renato began to dismount. His lost look soon turned into a plea for a breather. Tears streamed down his face, and the kind words took a while to come out.
- See you soon. I can only thank you for everything I've experienced here at Flamengo. I'll miss everything here. This fan base has always moved me.
Near where he was giving interviews, fans from all over the country were shouting for him to stay. When he went to sign autographs, Renato complained.
- Wow, you're making me cry again.
The player leaves for Dubai next Monday and, in principle, signs a ten-month contract. He explained his painful decision to leave the club where he was an idol.
"I apologize to those who didn't understand my attitude. At times, I was reluctant. But the horse passes once, twice. It may not pass the third time. I'm 29 years old and I need a cash reserve for my family," he explains.
Without its captain, Flamengo can "celebrate" at least the R$2 million it will be entitled to from the termination clause.
Bruno celebrates the end of the soap opera
Flamengo goalkeeper says he struggled with delay in contract renewal. Goalkeeper Bruno's contract renewal saga has finally come to an end. The player will remain at Flamengo for another three months. Relieved with the outcome of the negotiations, Bruno spoke about the days leading up to his stay at Gávea.
"I tried to remain silent for 20 days. I suffered with my family, who were very important to me during this time. I made it clear to everyone that I wanted to stay, and thankfully they listened to me, and I'll stay for another three months," says the Flamengo player.
However, the goalkeeper has not yet been registered with the CBF. According to Flamengo's vice president of football, Kléber Leite, the documentation will be "cleared" this Wednesday.
Throw
Kleber Leite gets emotional when talking about Renato
Manager almost cries at the end of the interview, when hugging the player
Kleber wishes Renato success (Credit: Archive)
LANCEPRESS!\ At Renato's farewell from Flamengo, vice president of football Kleber Leite praised and thanked the player for his demeanor throughout his time in the red-and-black jersey, saying he honored the shirt like few others. Visibly moved, Kleber Leite nearly cried when speaking of the supporter.\
"When it's someone we love, we end up rooting for their success. But we're sad when they leave. Life is a back and forth thing," he said.
Kleber also spoke about the player's importance to the team and that he hopes he returns to Flamengo soon.
Ney believes in Flamengo's comeback\ LANCEPRESS!\
Flamengo coach Ney Franco commented on his team's current form in the Brazilian Championship, where they find themselves in the relegation zone. According to the coach, the two-game layoff has hurt the team's performance in the standings.
Renato: 'See you soon, as I hope to return'
Player thanks Flamengo for the three years he spent at Flamengo and says he'll be back\ LANCEPRESS!\
Leaving for Arab football, where he will play for Al Nasr, Renato was in Gávea this Tuesday to say goodbye to his teammates and gave his final interview as a Flamengo player. The fan became emotional when talking about the club he played for for three years and cried.
"I'm happy with the three seasons I spent here and with everything I experienced here. Even the confusion and mistakes we made. I can only be grateful for everything I experienced here," he said.
When asked if he would only play for Flamengo in Brazil when he returned from Saudi Arabia, the player was emphatic.
"Today, I would only play here. I was raised like this, with a crowd of people who fight and curse," said the player, who also left a message for the red-and-black fans.
- See you soon. I'm going, but I hope to return - he said.
Paulinho: 'If the proposal is good, I can think about it'
The 31-year-old player says he is focused on Flamengo, but if he receives a good offer, he could leave\ LANCEPRESS!\
One of the players who could leave Flamengo is Paulinho, who is being eyed by an Israeli club. Vice-president of football Kleber Leite said he hasn't received an offer, but reports suggest the midfielder will leave. While he awaits a decision on his future, Paulinho only wants to think about Flamengo.
"I'm 31 years old and I'm happy here, but if it's a good offer, I'll have to think about it, but I'm focused on Flamengo. Eduardo Uram will do his best," he said.
The midfielder already played abroad in 2002 and leaving again would not be a problem.
"I had an experience in Qatar with a second division team and was promoted to the first division. It was an experience of sadness and joy," he added.
Maxi undergoes surgery and does not train at Flamengo
Argentinean had cyst removed and still hasn't met any companions
Maxi had a cyst removed from the left side of his face (Credit: Ricardo Cassiano)
Rodrigo Mandarini
Argentine forward Maxi Biancucchi underwent surgery this Tuesday morning at a hospital in Rio's North Zone to remove a sebaceous cyst near his neck. The surgery was performed by Dr. Augusto César, who is responsible for such procedures on the club's players.
"The cyst could interfere with his joint. There was also the aesthetic issue," explained Flamengo's doctor, Walter Martins.
Maxi was scheduled to train with his teammates for the first time this Tuesday, as announced last week. However, due to surgery, the player will only have his first training session with the other players next Monday, when he will be cleared by doctors. The Argentine will be discharged this Wednesday.