The Globe
Flamengo doubles the termination fee and agrees to Leonardo Moura's permanence
Club gives impetus to support plan for privatization of Maracanã stadium
With the 2006 accounts approved the day before last night by the Deliberative Council, with 153 (61%) votes in favor and 99 (39%) against, Flamengo's board begins to take more concrete steps to reinforce the team for 2008. After agreeing to renew the contract of right-back Leonardo Moura until 2011, with a salary increase and doubling the value of the termination clause, increasing it to 6 million euros (R$16,5 million), Flamengo should have an answer today about the possibility of repatriating midfielder Jônatas.
Yesterday, vice president of football Kleber Leite spent the day in São Paulo. He met with Corinthians president Andrés Sanchez to discuss the partnership with the São Paulo club. He evaded any comment regarding reinforcements. The slow pace has a reason: the idea is to avoid announcing signings before the club pays outstanding salaries. The club's board is still waiting for the release of sponsorship quotas from Petrobras. Reports are that the process of releasing approximately R$15 million is already in the execution phase, having been released by the legal department.
In the long term, the outlook is more than optimistic. Márcio Braga received a call yesterday from Ricardo Hinrichsen, Flamengo's vice president of marketing, who heads the Flamengo delegation in London trying to convince investing companies that privatizing the Maracanã stadium is a fantastic deal.
"Ricardo called me and said the project presentation was very well received. Making Maracanã a stadium with 110 seats and ready to host a World Cup final would require an investment of US$400 million. The stadium management consortium, which includes IMG, Flamengo, the CBF, and Fluminense, would have a 25-year contract, renewable for 25 years. This would make Flamengo viable for at least 40 years. The return will be proportional to the profitability each partner brings to the stadium through their ticket sales," says Márcio Braga.
Until then, the club is trying to finish 2007 with everything in order. Hence the modesty regarding signings. Jônatas's would certainly not be a small one. And his possible repatriation has already caused a rift within the board. Marcos Braz isn't taking the signing lightly.
"What that player and Júnior (defensive midfielder) did to us was brutal. Before the decisive match against Vasco in the Copa do Brasil, Jônatas told me to go fuck myself and called Kleber a liar. We had to call his agent to calm him down. There was almost a fight in the Maracanã locker room. I was supposed to punch him in the face. He showed no respect for Flamengo. If he comes in, I'll leave through another door. I'm not going to fight with Kleber, but I'm not going to be violent either," explained Marcos Braz.
Fernando Calazans
On Monday, I wrote a note that began: "They say..."
Well, they don't say that anymore. In fact, they "said." They said it would be difficult to get Flamengo's board of directors' accounts approved at the Deliberative Council meeting. It wasn't. The current administration's accounts were approved by a good margin: 61 percent to 39 percent. According to what they say (note that "say" again), it's a sign of recognition of the club's strong prospects in 2008.
Rivalry on the court
Fla and Vasco begin to decide the title of the Men's State Basketball Championship
Maura Ponce de Leon
In a final between Flamengo and Vasco, winning is always a matter of honor for both teams, opposites in the strongest rivalry in Rio de Janeiro sports. And today's game, the first of the best-of-three tournament that will decide the State Basketball Championship title, at 20 p.m. at Maracanãzinho, has even more nitroglycerin. Each team won one of the qualifying matches, and by very close scores: Vasco won 74-73, and Flamengo, 81-80.
The second game will be tomorrow at 20 p.m., also at Maracanãzinho. If necessary, the State Championship will be decided in a third match on Sunday at 16 p.m., at the same venue.
"In the final, there's no favorite. It's always a tense game, demanding physically and mentally. These are two very strong teams, and whoever has more heart will win," comments Flamengo winger Marcelinho, who knows the importance of taking the lead. "A win in the first leg is crucial, a huge advantage. But it'll be a close match, just like the first round matches."
The winger is Flamengo's standout player, but Vasco has Valtinho, the team's main player.
"We know the fans will turn out in droves to support us in our quest for victory. It will be a very competitive match, and we will need to score a lot, as they have very high-quality players, especially Marcelinho," he says.
PM monitored Orkut to avoid fights
The two teams meet again in a final after six years and a severe crisis in the sport. In 2001, Flamengo and Vasco—both packed with stars—took to the same Maracanãzinho court. Oscar's savvy hand gave way to Marcelinho's shooting. Vasco, which had Rogério and Nenê, entered with a borrowed squad—thanks to a partnership with Universo de Brasília—but emerged as Brazilian champions. In that 2001 final, Vasco emerged with a smile: 93-83 over Flamengo.
"That year I was working with Flamengo's youth teams. I remember that day. It's great to see Rio basketball resurfacing, even with borrowed teams," says Paulo Chupeta, Flamengo's coach, who led a light training session yesterday at Maracanãzinho.
In the semifinals, the two teams faced different realities. In their semifinal, Flamengo sealed the best-of-three series against Liga Macaense, winning their first two matches and haven't played since Saturday. They're rested. Vasco struggled to get past Fluminense: they won the first game last Friday by ten points, but lost the second on Sunday, 87-77. The battle went to the tiebreaker the day before yesterday, when Vasco finally secured their place in the final.
After the tight series, Vasco coach José Carlos Vidal gave the team a day off yesterday. He expects a tough series against Flamengo.
- A game between Flamengo and Vasco is always more exciting - said the coach.
The match is also surrounded by anticipation due to the violence that marked the first-round derby. On that occasion, a fight broke out between players on the court. And, at Praça XV, members of Vasco's organized fan group beat up Germano Silva, who died days later. To avoid confrontations, Major Marcelo Pessoa of the Special Stadium Policing Group (Gepe) took precautions. Since fan groups often post threats to their rivals on Orkut before games, the Military Police monitored the social networking site.
"We've been monitoring Orkut all week, and it looks like the organized fan groups won't be showing up at Maracanãzinho to cause problems like they do at other games. In any case, we'll have 120 men inside the stadium and we'll be filming both fan groups for future registration," Major Marcelo warned.
The International Basketball Federation (FIBA) announced yesterday that the draw for the groups and matches of the Women's Basketball World Pre-Olympic Tournament will take place on January 14th at 9:30 am (Brasília time) in Madrid. The competition will be held from June 9th to 15th and will qualify the top five teams for the Beijing Olympics. The 12 teams in the Pre-Olympic Tournament are Brazil, Cuba, Argentina, Japan, Taiwan, Senegal, Angola, Belarus, Spain, Latvia, and the Czech Republic.
TRANSMISSION: ESPN Brazil and Rádio Globo\ () From Extra\
Sports Journal
Fla is Rio in the Brazilian Under-20
A draw with Náutico will guarantee the team a place in the second phase of the competition.
The Flamengo boys trust in the team's unity to secure a spot
Porto Alegre, RS — Flamengo's juniors face Náutico today at 21 p.m. in Passo D'Areia, and only need a draw to secure a spot in the second phase of the Brazilian Under-20 Championship. If they qualify, the Rubro-Negro, second in Group 1 of the competition, will face Cruzeiro.
One of Flamengo's standout players in the competition, point guard Erick Flores is optimistic about the match against the Pernambuco team.
"We're ready. We want to beat Náutico to secure our spot and erase the bad impression left by our last match," said Erick, referring to the Gávea team's 2-0 loss to group leader Internacional in the penultimate round of the first phase.
Like Erick Flores, coach Adílio is confident of his team's recovery and securing a spot, despite respecting Náutico, who will qualify if they defeat the red-and-black team. The coach has only one question mark for today's match: the defensive midfielder, where he has yet to decide whether to field Rafael Madei or Diego Moura. Flamengo will field Marcelo, Deividson, Anderson, Welliton, and Léo; Rafael Madei (Diego Moura), Antônio, Erick Flores, and Diguinho; Kayke and Paulo Sérgio.
Three-time Rio de Janeiro champion and two-time Octavio Pinto Guimarães Junior Tournament champion, Flamengo is aiming for its first title. This year, the team finished third in the category's World Cup, held in Malaysia, losing in the semifinals to Manchester United.
Defender Bolivar has not yet been contacted by Flamengo this season
Defender Bolivar has not yet been contacted by Flamengo this season
Speculation continues in Gávea. Defender Bolívar, reportedly wanted by Flamengo to be one of their reinforcements for next year's Libertadores, has denied talks with Brazilian clubs. The experienced player, who plays in French football, isn't just attracting interest from Flamengo. Cruzeiro and Inter are also reportedly in the running to repatriate the player.
“I follow what’s happening online, but I don’t know anything concrete yet.
My agent only gives me what is concrete,” Bolívar told Rádio Bandeirantes.
The player also took the opportunity to say that he has a special affection for the country's most popular club.
"If this transfer goes through, Flamengo fans can expect my full dedication and commitment. I think playing for Flamengo is important. It's a sacred place, and great players have played for the club. I would be happy to play for Flamengo," the athlete added.
The other rumors circulated in recent days is that former São Paulo defender Rodrigo, who currently plays for Dynamo Kiev, is negotiating his move to Gávea, but according to the player's press office, this news is nothing more than speculation.
"No one has contacted the player or his agent. This kind of news is pure speculation," said Cadu, the defender's advisor.
Republic of cheese bread
The partnership between Flamengo and Ipatinga has yet to materialize. According to vice president of football Kleber Leite, a meeting will still take place with the president of the Minas Gerais club, which recently moved up to the first division, Itair Machado, to determine which players will be loaned.
Renovation was a 'war operation'
After announcing late Monday night the contract renewal of right-back Leonardo Moura, Flamengo sought to take precautions to keep the player at Gávea until the end of 2011. To make this possible, there was a good salary adjustment and the release clause of the best full-back in the last Brazilian Championship was doubled.
Previously, for Léo Moura to leave Flamengo, any club that deposited US$3 million into Flamengo's account would immediately remove him from Gávea. Now, with the new agreement, the fine has increased to US$6 million (approximately R$16,5 million).
"We agreed that this would be the amount of the fine for Léo to leave Flamengo," confirmed the player's agent, Eduardo Uram, who also revealed that there is only a verbal agreement between him and Flamengo. The new contract is expected to be signed in the coming days.
Earlier in the week, Eduardo Uram had said that two European clubs—one from Germany and the other from Italy—had contacted him about the full-back. As a result, vice president of football Kleber Leite acted quickly and kept the player at Gávea.
The fine to remove Léo Moura from Flamengo is 6 million euros.
To deter European football's advances, Flamengo extended Léo Moura's contract until the end of 2011. The new terms are extravagant, especially for a 29-year-old player. Any club looking to sign the Flamengo right-back will have to spend €6 million (R$16,5 million), double the previous release clause.
"This amount is what was agreed. This is the fine he must pay to leave the club," said Eduardo Uram, the player's agent.
The new contract still needs to be signed, even though all the amounts have already been agreed upon.\ So far, Leonardo Moura's agent only has a verbal agreement with Gávea's vice president of football, Kleber Leite.\
Born in Niterói, Leonardo da Silva Moura arrived at Gávea in 2005. In addition to Fla, the club for which he played 139 matches and scored 14 goals, the full-back played for other major Rio clubs, Botafogo (where he began his career), Vasco and Fluminense.
Split in the Fla board
Kleber Leite and Marcio Braz disagree over the possible interest in the Espanyol player
Thiago Bokel and Nathan de Lima
Homegrown talent Jonatas is the pivot of the fight between Kleber Leite and Marcio Braz at Flamengo
As reported by JORNAL DOS SPORTS, the potential signing of defensive midfielder Jônatas is causing controversy at Gávea. Last Monday, Flamengo's director of football, Marcos Braz, reaffirmed his opposition to the player's arrival:
“If Jônatas shows up on January 3rd, I’ll leave the next day,” the manager said.
And if he was hoping for the support of vice president of football Kleber Leite, he'd better look elsewhere.
"If Marcos really said that, good riddance to him. Within Flamengo, there isn't just one thinking head. If that were the case, Roger would stay, because I wanted him to. The will of one person alone can't prevail. There's a consensus here, formed by myself, president Marcio Braga, Marcos Braz himself, and Joel Santana. No one can ever impose their own will here," Kleber Leite countered.
JORNAL DOS SPORTS tried several times to contact the midfielder's agent, Eduardo Uram, but he was unavailable. Since Espanyol likely won't release Jônatas to Flamengo for free, this disagreement between the club's management isn't expected to last long, as Flamengo wouldn't be willing to pay to keep the player for just six months.
Meetings
Kleber Leite, in fact, was in São Paulo yesterday, where he met with the president of Corinthians, Andres Sanchez, and then met with the president of Traffic, a sports marketing company, J. Ávila, to negotiate a possible partnership.
This would be similar to the one Botafogo has with MFD, which came to light in recent days due to defender Juninho's transfer to São Paulo. Traffic is planning to invest heavily in the market and has already closed a deal with Palmeiras for around R$70 million.
Maracanã — Márcio Braga is confident that he will manage Maraca.
"We had a meeting with IMG. The British invited us to a meeting, and I sent two competent representatives there. From the news I'm receiving, things are well underway," the president told Rádio Tupi.
Representatives return today.
Flamengo launches shirt honoring Raul
Flamengo created a jersey in honor of former goalkeeper Raul Plasmann, who won the American and World Cups with the club in 1981. The jersey is yellow, the club's former number 1's favorite color, and features a polo collar. On the back, the phrase "Always Flamengo, since 1895" commemorates the club's founding year.
The shirt will be sold for R$170, the suggested retail price from Nike, Flamengo's sponsor. A jacket was also released for R$320 to commemorate the 1981 triumphs.
Flamengo fans will also have another option: a black jersey with a red collar and the phrase "Once Flamengo, always Flamengo" repeated several times. The price will be R$100 and there will be no number on the back.
Palermo director acknowledges difficulty in signing Renato Augusto
Palermo, in Italy, has already expressed interest in signing Renato Augusto, one of the club's biggest talents in recent years. The club even made an official offer, delivered to Renato's agent, offering €13 million (approximately R$33 million) to Flamengo. However, the Gávea club and Renato Augusto's agent considered the amount too low.
Palermo's own sporting director seems to be aware of the slim likelihood of being able to acquire the Flamengo midfielder. This week, in an interview with an Italian program, Rino Foschi was content to learn that the Flamengo supporter admires Palermo.
"Renato Augusto would like to play here. About 20 days ago, I met with people close to him, and I learned that they all know Palermo very well. The deal is very complicated. Flamengo's asking price (30 million euros) is very high, and we also have problems with foreign players," said Foschi.
Challenge for Paulo Chupeta and Jefferson
Pacifier talks to the players during training at Marcanãzinho
The final will stir memories not only of fans but also of the characters who will be on the court. Rubro-Negro coach Paulo Chupeta and Vasco da Gama winger Jefferson Sobral have plenty of reasons to believe they will be champions.
In December 2005, Paulo Chupeta's Flamengo surprised everyone by winning the state championship after defeating Telemar, the Brazilian champion that year and favorite to take the trophy. Two years later, fate seems to present a new challenge for the Flamengo coach, who will have to defeat a national champion again to win his third title.
Brasília (the team representing Cruzmaltinos in the State Championship) are the current champions. Their squad includes Valtinho, Arthur, Estevam, Ratto, and others. But, just like in 2005, Chupeta isn't afraid of his opponent's brilliance.
"Back then, my team had some big names. There was Alexei, Mingão, and Gema. All of them were athletes who were second to none compared to their rivals. And that's what I told them. This time, the situation is a little different, as both teams are more evenly matched. The proof is that in the first round, each team won. I trust my team," said Chupeta, who remembers every moment of the first state title he won in Gávea:
"We lost the first game by 25 points. I talked to the players and told them they needed to stay calm. That game was already in the past, and there was no point in complaining. We won the second and managed to destabilize their group, which was in disbelief after the loss. Their morale dropped, and that helped us play with determination in the third match," he said.
But the São Januário club also has plenty of good memories. Winger Jefferson Sobral has already experienced happy times with the Maltese cross on his chest. The athlete saw the partnership between Rio de Janeiro and Brasília as an opportunity to relive his time as a Vasco player. He was a Brazilian and state champion with Vasco in 2001 and now has the chance to bring more joy to Vasco fans.
"I have no words to describe how much I love this crowd. I've had happy times at the club and I'm reliving all this time here. I hope to be champion with Vasco once again."
Maracanãzinho will shake!
Traditional rivals Vasco and Flamengo begin their playoff run today in the State Basketball Championship.
Mariana Land and Rafael Oliveira
Rubro-negros and Vasco da Gama played very balanced games in the State Championship
The grand final of the State Basketball Championship begins today. Vasco and Flamengo will face off at Maracanãzinho at 20:30 p.m. in the first game of the best-of-three series. Emotion and determination should be the main factors in deciding the title.
In the semifinals, Flamengo defeated Macaé, winning both playoff games. Vasco had to play three matches against Fluminense to reach the final. In the first round, each team won one game.
In 2001, the two teams also decided and Vasco ended up winning the best-of-five series, 3-1. At the time, Ratto, current Vasco winger, was part of the red-black squad and still has good memories of that time.
"It's been great to be back in Rio, where I gained the respect and affection of the Flamengo fans. In this new phase with Vasco, I'm trying to play with the same commitment and dedication to try to win over the Vasco fans as well. But from what I've seen, I'm already succeeding, because they're treating me well, showing up to games and cheering me on," said the winger.
Ratto now wants to make history at Vasco.
"Playing for Flamengo was a very special moment in my career, but it's already passed. I'm very grateful to the club and the fans. But now I'll try to dedicate myself to Vasco, just as I did six years ago at Gávea."
Other side
On the other hand, Flamengo's center, Wagner, was part of the Colina team. Now the player believes the game will always be difficult in this classic.
"They're two teams with a long tradition; the game is always played until the last minute. I played for Vasco and I know they're a team with grit and determination. We have to work to minimize their game volume."
They share a common desire to help their current teams win the title. Flamengo will hold a training camp so the players can spend the day together, focused on their goal: the first victory of the series.
Vasco
9- Valtinho (1,87m), 4- Arthur (1,98m), 10- Jefferson (1,95m), 17- Rossi (1,95m), 5- Ratto (1,81m), 13- Brasilia (2,00m), 7- Estevam (2,11m), 31- Cipriano (2,00m), 55- L. Fernando (2,10m), 44- Bala (2,00m)
Flamengo
4- Marcelinho (2,00m), 10- Duda (1,92m)], 8- F.Mineiro (1,89m), 5- Hélio (1,88m), 45- Coloneze (2,07m), 54- Alírio (2,08m), 7- Wagner (2,05m), 11- Maicon (2,10m), 9- Fred (1,83m), 33- Amiel (2,03m)
Everything set for the success of the classic
The directors of Flamengo, Vasco, the Basketball Federation and Suderj met yesterday and took a series of measures to organize the final matches of the 2007 State Basketball Championship.
The ticket offices will be open today from 18 p.m. and the gates will open at 18:30 p.m. For this game, a grandstand will cost R$10 (R$5 for half-price tickets), and a chair will cost R$30 (R$15 for half-price tickets).
The second match, tomorrow, is scheduled for 20 p.m. Ticket offices will open at 17:30 p.m., and gates will open at 18 p.m. The price for a grandstand seat will be R$10 (R$5 for half price), but a special seat will cost R$20 (R$10 for half price).
For the matches, Flamengo fans will have access through the gates next to the Beline statue, and Vasco fans will enter through Gate 21 on Eurico Rabelo Street. Around 120 police officers will provide security.
O Dia
Flamengo: Fans' passion will become a film
Director of 'Elite Squad', José Padilha, plans to make a documentary about the red-black gang
Martha Esteves
Rio - The setting has been chosen: the Maracanã. Unusually, the main character would be portrayed by 35 million faces. And the film will have a happy ending. Even the soundtrack has been suggested: the "Victory Theme," which fueled the incredible participation of the Flamengo fans in the team's rise from the relegation zone in the Brazilian Championship to a spot in the Libertadores. Inspired by this, film director José Padilha, of the acclaimed "Elite Squad," is planning a documentary about Flamengo fans.
From now on, Padilha, a die-hard Flamengo fan—and grandson of former president José Bastos Padilha (named after the Gávea stadium)—receives the applause of Zico, the greatest idol of the Flamengo "nation." Even in faraway Turkey, the Fenerbahce coach considers the tribute to Flamengo fans more than fitting.
"I was a passionate fan like I am today, and my greatest joy is having won so many titles for my beloved club. There's no story more beautiful than the fans' passion for their club," Zico says.
José Padilha agrees. The strength of the fans inspired the documentary's script, which, for now, remains just an idea in his head, with no date set for its practical implementation.
"But the idea gains momentum with the support of Zico, who is my idol and that of the entire Flamengo fan base. It's not that simple to make a documentary, and I don't even have a start date for this project," explains José Padilha, still involved in the promotion of "Tropa de Elite," which will compete for the Silver Bear at the Berlin Film Festival in February. Zico, the "Galinho de Quintino," who was also moved by the role played by the fans in the Brasileirão, suggests that famous fans who were part of the Flamengo's history also be portrayed in the documentary.
"Our fan base is nationwide, made up of people of all backgrounds, races, religions, and social classes. A film telling these stories and portraying the year 2007 has everything it needs to go down in the club's history," concludes Zico.
Fan approves
Carlos Alvarenga, the author of "Theme of Victory," and vice president of Urubuzada, believes that a documentary about the fans' involvement in Flamengo's run in the Brasileirão would be a guaranteed box office success. He even ventures to offer his opinion on the soundtrack.
"The 'Victory Theme' would fit perfectly into the storyline. And it would be really important to tell this story, because this song was born with the team's breakthrough and has already become immortal," says Alvarenga, who heard the song performed at The Police's show at the Maracanã.
President of Urubu Guerreiro, José Carlos Peruano liked the idea so much that he will honor the filmmaker with a plaque, just as he will do with Mayor Cesar Maia, who overthrew Flamengo fans.
"He's Brazil's greatest filmmaker and he's going to win the Silver Bear. I'm even taking this opportunity to apologize to him for buying a bootleg copy of 'Elite Squad,'" he says.
The original name
Opened on September 4, 1938, right on the banks of Lagoa Rodrigo de Freitas, the Gávea stadium, also known as Estádio José Bastos Padilha, in honor of the president of Flamengo from 1933 to 1937, originally had a maximum capacity of 8 thousand people.
The record attendance for this stadium was set in the Flamengo 2 x 2 Fluminense game on November 23, 1941, with 15.312 spectators. An invasion.
Flamengo hasn't played at Gávea Stadium for some time. Currently, the venue serves only as a training ground. The club uses Maracanã for its matches. Flamengo president Márcio Braga is working on a stadium remodeling project to expand its capacity to 35.
Leonardo Moura renews with Flamengo for another four years
Rio - One of Flamengo's standout performers over the past two seasons, right-back Leonardo Moura has renewed his contract with the club for another four years. The player had previously attracted interest from clubs in Italy and Germany. Now, according to Flamengo's board, 29-year-old Moura is expected to end his career at Gávea.
The information about the renewal was given by Flamengo's vice-president of football, Kléber Leite
Sports Gazette
Gérson Magrão happy with Fla's interest
Ipatinga (MG) - One of Ipatinga's standout players in their campaign to gain promotion to the Brazilian top flight, midfielder Gérson Magrão couldn't hide his delight at Flamengo's interest in his return to compete in the Campeonato Carioca and Copa Libertadores. The player's federation rights belong to Flamengo, who loaned him to Tigre until the end of the Mineiro season. "I'm happy to know 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," said Magrão, who was also approached by Corinthians, in an interview with Rádio Globo.
The midfielder's contract with Flamengo runs until 2009, but for now his priority remains preseason training with Tigre. "I have a contract with Ipatinga until the end of the Campeonato Mineiro. I intend to do preseason training, but if I have to return to Flamengo, I'll do it with great pleasure. Of course, I want to play for the club," he reflected.
Magrão scored eight goals in the Segunda Division. Signed by the Rio de Janeiro club in early 2007 from Feyenoord, he ended up on loan due to a lack of opportunities under then-coach Ney Franco.
Flamengo is still looking for a defender and striker\ Gazeta Press\
Rio de Janeiro (RJ) - Flamengo has two priorities when it comes to signing reinforcements. It wants to bring in an experienced defender to play alongside Fábio Luciano and a more mobile striker, likely to partner Souza or Obina. For defense, the preferred name remains Bolívar, who is with Monaco in France. But another player who is emerging strongly in the Gávea area is Fabiano Eller, who is with Atlético Madrid and is also of interest to Botafogo.
Flamengo's squad is on vacation and is scheduled to return to training on January 2nd, when preparations for the Campeonato Carioca and Copa Libertadores begin. The board hopes the squad will be ready by this date so that Joel Santana can have the full group ready to work with greater peace of mind.
"We want to see if we can resolve all contractual issues by Christmas so we can also take our vacation. The directors also want to take advantage of these holiday periods to spend some time with their families, but we can only do that once everything is finalized. Furthermore, the sooner the squad is finalized, the more quality Joel Santana will have to work with," said the club's vice president of football, Kléber Leite.
This Thursday, the board should release the list of athletes who will be loaned to defend Ipatinga next season, as provided for in the partnership contract between the two teams and which gives Rubro-Negro priority in signing the Minas Gerais club's revelations.
Renato Augusto should also stay at Flamengo\ Gazeta Press\
Rio de Janeiro (RJ) - In addition to Léo Moura, who agreed to renew his contract with Flamengo this Tuesday, midfielder Renato Augusto is also in the plans of foreign clubs. However, the player is expected to follow the right-back's path and remain at Gávea for longer. "I believe Renato Augusto should stay at Flamengo and compete in the Copa Libertadores for the club. If he has to move, he should leave it until the middle of next year, when the transfer window opens for squad development. Leaving at this time wouldn't be a good idea, as the Europeans are only looking for replacements and adjustments to their squads in January, which are already defined," said the player's agent, Carlos Leite.
Flamengo has had relative success renewing contracts with players who interest coach Joel Santana. The club has already reached agreements with defender Fábio Luciano, left-back Juan, and midfielder Hugo Colace. The coach himself opted to remain at Gávea despite receiving an offer from Japan.
"Flamengo is a place today where players enjoy playing, because they know the board works to honor their commitments, and it's also a club accustomed to winning titles," said Kléber Leite.
Midfielder Cristian, who had been negotiating with Lokomotiv Moscow in Russia, is also expected to remain at Gávea. His transfer was considered a given, but the Russian club changed its coaching staff and negotiations were interrupted. Flamengo acquired half of his federation rights from Atlético-PR, which retained the remaining 50%.
Léo Moura renews contract with Flamengo until 2011
Rio de Janeiro (RJ) - Leonardo Moura, named the best right-back in the Brazilian Championship by the CBF, has renewed his contract with Flamengo for another four years. The official announcement of the extension was made Monday night, after a meeting between Flamengo vice-president Kléber Leite and the player's agent, Eduardo Uram. "Leonardo Moura is a great athlete and will continue at Flamengo. He will finish his career here with us," celebrated the Flamengo director. "We gave him a raise, but without doing anything crazy. It was within the club's budget," Leite added.
Having gained in value after his strong performance at Nacional, Léo Moura had offers from two European clubs, one Italian and one German, according to prosecutor Uram. The athlete's previous contract with Flamengo ran until December 2009.
PeléNet
The fine to remove Léo Moura from Flamengo is 6 million euros.
Bruno Rousso\ In Rio de Janeiro\
To deter European football's advances, Flamengo extended Leonardo Moura's contract until the end of 2011. The new terms are extraordinary, especially for a 29-year-old player. Any club looking to lure the right-back from Gávea will have to shell out €6 million (R$16,5 million), double the previous release clause.
"This amount is what was agreed. This is the fine he must pay to leave the club," said the player's agent, Eduardo Uram.
Even with all the values already defined, the new contract still needs to be signed. So far, Leonardo Moura's agent has only reached an agreement with the club's vice president of football, Kleber Leite.
Born in Niterói, Leonardo da Silva Moura arrived at Gávea in 2005. In addition to Fla, the club for which he played 139 matches and scored 14 goals, the full-back played for other major Rio clubs, Botafogo (where he began his career), Vasco and Fluminense.
Bolívar: "It would be a pleasure to wear the Flamengo shirt"
From UOL Esporte\ In Rio de Janeiro\
Monaco-FRA defender Bolívar expressed enthusiasm for playing for Flamengo next season. Although he has not yet received any concrete offer, he has made himself available to the Flamengo board to compete in the Copa Libertadores.
2006 Libertadores champion with Inter, Bolívar blocks Aloísio's shot in the final
"If this is finalized, it will be a pleasure to wear the Flamengo shirt. But nothing is certain yet. For now, I'll wait," said the player, who emphasized his desire to return to Brazil.
"I have a two-month-old daughter, and it's difficult for my wife to stay here alone. Therefore, it would be good to return to my country and be closer to my relatives, who can help during this time. I would like to stay in Brazil next year," he said in an interview with Rádio Brasil.
Bolívar also emphasized that he would be happy to work for the other two teams interested in signing him: Cruzeiro and Internacional, the club with which he won the Libertadores in 2006.
"They're three clubs with great infrastructure. And I'd be happy to play for any of them. I'm looking forward to it," analyzed the defender.
Souza expects a great 2008 for Flamengo
From UOL Esporte\ In Rio de Janeiro\
Combined with winning the Campeonato Carioca and finishing third in the Campeonato Brasileiro, Flamengo had a good 2007. However, that's not enough for striker Souza, who dreams of a much more successful season next year. The goal: to win the Copa Libertadores and become the competition's top scorer.
To achieve these goals, however, the forward calls for the group to be maintained. This way, he believes the Rubro-Negro will be strong and prepared to face a season full of challenges.
"We're sure we'll go far in 2008. The group just needs to keep going. That way, we'll be ready. We hope to win the Libertadores. And, if we do, I'm thinking about scoring a lot of goals again and being the top scorer in this championship. It's a long-held dream," he said.
However, Souza knows that Flamengo must take it one step at a time. "First, we have to win the Carioca Championship, and that way we'll build confidence. We can't rush things," he said.
BalloonSport
José Padilha dreams of making a film about Flamengo
Fanatical Flamengo fan, director of 'Elite Squad' hopes to release a documentary about the fans
Thiago Dias
A die-hard Flamengo fan, José Padilha doesn't put criminals in Flamengo shirts. Captain Nascimento leaves, and the Flamengo nation enters. José Padilha, director of the hit "Elite Squad," is still enjoying the success of the film about the war between police and criminals in Rio de Janeiro, but he's already dreaming of a new script: making a documentary about Flamengo fans.
Grandson of former president José Bastos Padilha, after whom the Gávea stadium is named, the filmmaker is a die-hard Flamengo fan and says he never misses a single match, whether going to the Maracanã or watching on television. Now, he wants to bring his passion for the club to the big screen.
"The other day I was in Gávea and talked with Márcio Braga (president) about the idea of making a film. We spoke briefly, but I'm taking it seriously. It would be a documentary about Flamengo fans, because the fans are Flamengo. The team changes, the players leave, but the fans stay," Padilha told GLOBOESPORTE.COM by phone.
The idea is good, but it will take some time to get off the ground. The director, who made the acclaimed documentary "Bus 174," is still busy promoting "Elite Squad," which will compete for the Golden Bear at the 58th Berlin Film Festival in Germany in February.
"It's a wish, nothing's planned yet. I'm on vacation now. Like the Flamengo players, on break," he jokes.
No red-black banditry
It's common to see red and black shirts among criminals portrayed in Brazilian films and series. In "City of Men," for example, a drug dealer always wears the club's uniform. This would never happen in a work by Padilha, he assures:
- I can't associate Flamengo with bad things. Never. I didn't design the costumes for "Tropa," but the costume designer knows that if there was someone wearing a red and black shirt, I would take them off (laughs) - he says.
The feature film about BOPE (the Rio Military Police's Special Operations Battalion) was so successful that phrases used by the characters became Carioca slang. They were also used by the press to describe the team's run in the Brasileirão, with headlines in bold letters.
"I kept all the newspaper covers that linked Flamengo to the 'Tropa de Elite'. I have everything," he reveals.
When it comes to comparing the main characters in the work and players or coach Joel Santana, Padilha avoids making any connections.
"I don't think Joel is the Captain Nascimento type. He's a roguish, old-school Carioca. He has something to do with Flamengo," he says.
For the director, the strength of the red-black fans, which he intends to show in the documentary, was the determining factor in the team's qualification for the 2008 Libertadores.
"It was a wonderful end of the year. The film continued to do well at the box office, and Flamengo achieved something historic. I can't remember any other team in the Brazilian league going from the relegation zone to the Libertadores so quickly. The fans were used to fighting to avoid relegation, but this year their perspective changed. They knew how to support the team and showed that they are as they always have been," he concludes.
Souza, Maxi and Obina as BOPE police officers: José Padilha highlights Flamengo's reaction power in the Brasileirão
Gepe guarantees peace in the duel between Fla and Vasco
Major Marcelo Pessoa guarantees that he is attentive to the meeting points between the fans
Joana Tiso
In the second game between Fla and Vasco in the first phase, the players observe a minute's silence due to the death of a fan after a fight in the previous game.
Since the fan brawl in the first game between Flamengo and Vasco da Gama in the qualifying round of the Men's State Basketball Championship, the clash between the archrivals has gained high-risk status. To prevent another tragedy in the match that opens the final stage of the competition, Major Marcelo Pessoa, commander of the Special Stadium Group (Gepe), guaranteed a special policing scheme at Maracanãzinho this Wednesday.
"There will be 120 police officers inside the stadium alone. Some organized fan groups have already announced they won't be attending the game. I think it's sensible, as they need to reflect after the death of that fan," he told GLOBOESPORTE.COM by phone.
Pessoa also revealed how Gepe has been working to prevent red-black and Vasco fans from facing each other again.
"We're tracking them and monitoring them online and on the streets to prevent any problems. All the meeting points between the rival fans have been mapped. It would be naive for them to fight in this game, as they know they'll be filmed. I believe everything will be peaceful."
Flamengo and Vasco begin the fight for the title
Teams face off at Maracanãzinho in the first game of the Men's State Championship final
Joana Tiso and Igor Christ
Flamengo and Vasco players expect a peaceful classic
Flamengo and Vasco take to the court this Wednesday at 20:30 p.m. at Maracanãzinho for the first game of the best-of-three series of the Men's State Championship final. After beating Macaé in the first two semifinal matches, the Red-Black team faces its archrival, who defeated Fluminense 2-1 in the other series.
Tickets cost R$10 (full price) and R$5 (half price)
Beyond rivalry and tradition, the teams' matches in the state qualifying round were evenly matched. Each team won, with a single-point margin on both occasions. Flamengo suffered its only defeat in the competition against Vasco.
"Flamengo and Vasco are very strong teams, and whoever has more heart on the court will win"\ Marcelinho, from Flamengo\
A standout for the red-and-black team, winger Marcelinho Machado said he can't wait to get on the court. Because it's a big derby, he believes the match will be evenly matched.
"In a final, there's no favorite. It's always a tense game, demanding physically and mentally. The final begins before the ball even goes in the air. Flamengo and Vasco are very strong teams, and whoever has the most heart on the court will win. A win in this first game is crucial, as the series is short. Even though it doesn't decide anything, getting ahead is important; it's a huge advantage," says the winger.
Violence spoils the first classic
In the first round, Flamengo and Vasco faced off in Caio Martins Stadium, with Vasco winning 74-73 in overtime in a tumultuous match. In addition to the brawl between the players, the match was marked by a brawl between fans in downtown Rio de Janeiro. On that occasion, 44-year-old Flamengo player Germano Soares was beaten and died five days later from a head injury.
Despite the decisive atmosphere, Marcelinho warns fans to only worry about helping their teams on the court.
Marcelinho: Fans should only worry about supporting their favorite team
- Fans need to come to shout, cheer, encourage their teams, but in peace, without fights, without riots, without hostility.
Valtinho, in turn, is confident that the fans will have a great party in the stands.
"It'll be beautiful, with plenty of fans, there won't be any trouble. The game would be boring without fans."
The second leg of the final will be played this Thursday at 20 p.m. at Maracanãzinho Stadium. If a third leg is necessary, it will be played this Sunday at 16 p.m. at the same venue.
Check out the lineups:\ Flamengo: Marcelinho, Hélio, Fernando, Fred and Colonese\ Coach: Paulo Chupeta\
Vasco: Arthur, Valtinho, Estevão, Cipriano and Jefferson Sobral\ Coach: José Carlos Vidal\
Ibson invites Zico to a game in Niterói
The charity event will be held on December 26th. Admission will be non-perishable food items.
Ibson organizes charity event
Fans who haven't yet tired of seeing Ibson in action will have another opportunity on December 26th. The Flamengo player, alongside teammate Diego, will organize a charity soccer match at the Cinco de Julho Stadium in Niterói. And a distinguished guest is expected to be in attendance: Zico.
The greatest idol in the history of the Red-Black team declared last weekend that he still dreams of being a player. However, he envisions exchanging passes with Obina. The striker, enjoying a vacation in Bahia, won't be at the festive game. But several other Red-Black players could make Zico's dream come true.
The event, called Happy New Year, will bring together several VIP guests, such as players Leo Moura, Souza, Jean, Luiz Alberto, Bruno, Felipe (ex-Fla, Vasco and Flu), Henrique (ex-Fla) and former athletes Roberto Dinamite and Leonardo.
The entrance fee will be two kilograms of non-perishable food. All proceeds will be donated to charity. Even before the ball kicked off, the Flamengo fans' soccer game had already collected 30 tons of food.
- This is the second year we've held this match, and our goal is to collect as much food as possible to help more and more families - explains Ibson.
Goalkeeper Diego sees the event as a way to give back to the displays of affection the players receive from people during the season.
"This is our way of trying to repay the affection we've received throughout the year. We're sure it will be a beautiful party and will help a lot of people," he says.
Fla makes shirt in honor of Raul
Club launches yellow uniform model, like the one worn by the world champion goalkeeper
Ibson served as a model to present Fla's yellow shirt
Still in celebration of winning a place in the Libertadores, Flamengo launched a shirt in honor of former goalkeeper Raul Plasmann, champion of America and the world with the club in 1981.
The polo-necked shirt is yellow, the favorite color of the club's former number 1. The back bears the phrase "Always Flamengo, since 1895," a nod to the club's founding year.
The Raul-inspired shirt has a suggested retail price of R$170 from Nike, the team's sponsor. The brand also launched a jacket for R$320 to celebrate the 1981 achievements.
Another image released by the company is of a black shirt with a red collar and the phrase "Once Flamengo, always Flamengo" repeated several times, as if forming stripes on the uniform. The suggested retail price for this model is R$100 (no number on the back).
On the back of the shirt in honor of Raul Plasmann, the phrase 'Always Flamengo, since 1895'
A black shirt, with the phrase 'Once Flamengo, always Flamengo' repeated several times, is also being sold.
Throw
Germano's death may have been out of revenge
Crime reportedly linked to the murder of a Botafogo fan
Rodrigo Mandarini RIO DE JANEIRO\ Thiago Asmar RIO DE JANEIRO\
The fight that allegedly resulted in the death of Flamengo fan Germano Soares da Silva was possibly, according to police, a revenge attack by members of a Botafogo fan faction. They had joined forces with a group of Vasco fans to avenge the death of Rhafick Cancio, who was stabbed to death on November 6, 2005, in a confrontation with Flamengo fans.
Jéferson do Carmo Vieira, better known as China, was sentenced to 15 years in prison for the crime. Germano, however, participated in the brawl and reportedly became a target of Botafogo fans.
"I'm almost certain that Botafogo fans joined forces with Vasco fans to avenge Rhafick's death. Analyzing the footage of the altercation, I realized that most of the criminals who beat Germano to death were from the Botafogo faction," explained Major Marcelo Pessoa, commander of the Special Stadium Policing Group (Gepe).
Responsible for the Child and Adolescent Protection Department (DPCA), delegate Deoclécio de Assis stated that Major Marcelo's theory makes sense.
"These confrontations are routine. Whoever loses in one fight gets revenge in the next. I believe this case may indeed be related to Rhafick's death," the police chief said.
According to a report from LANCE!, which learned from police officers involved in the investigation, in addition to Germano, other leaders of the same Flamengo faction were also on their rivals' blacklist. The goal would be to eliminate, one by one, all the perpetrators of the crime who have not been punished by the courts.
Leonardo Moura's termination fee doubles
To get the full-back from Fla, clubs will have to pay 6 million euros
Fred Gomes RIO DE JANEIRO
Although right-back Leonardo Moura has not yet officially signed his four-year contract renewal with Flamengo, his agent, Eduardo Uram, confirmed the agreement and announced that the termination fee for the player's economic rights has doubled from three to six million euros (around R$15,5 million).
"He hasn't signed the contract yet, but everything is agreed. We made a verbal agreement, and to me, that means the same as writing. The contract will be signed this week, and the termination fee will be six million euros," Uram explained.
With 139 games, 14 goals and three titles with the red-black shirt, Léo Moura will sign a four-year contract with the Gávea club, information confirmed by Flamengo's vice president of football, Kléber Leite.
- We are signing a four-year contract with him - the director simply said.
Renato Augusto practically certain for 2008
The player's agent, Carlos Leite, says there is an 80% chance he will stay.
He must stay
Cassius Leitao RIO DE JANEIRO
Hugo Perruso RIO DE JANEIRO
Rodrigo Benchimol
Coveted by many clubs, Renato Augusto is expected to stay at Flamengo, at least for the Copa Libertadores. This is the trend regarding the young midfielder's future, at least according to his agent, Carlos Leite, who confirms some inquiries and offers, but doesn't believe in a transfer right now.
According to him, Renato Augusto did not receive any interesting offers to the point of changing clubs.
"It's not the best time for him to leave. Of course, everything depends on an interesting offer. But there's an 80% chance he'll play in the Libertadores. We're in no rush," said Carlos Leite, emphasizing that Vice President of Football Kléber Leite shares this opinion.
For the businessman, the best time for a possible transfer is in the mid-year window.
"This is when European teams begin assembling their squads and conducting preseason training. During this end-of-year window, signings are usually made to complement or replace a player in the squad," he explained.
Last month, Flamengo's board received a multi-million dollar offer for Renato Augusto. Palermo, from Italy, officially expressed their interest, but the negotiations fell through. LANCE! learned that the amount reached 15 million euros (approximately R$38,8 million). However, the directors weren't as excited about the possibility, especially since Flamengo only has him in the position.
– In fact, we received this proposal about a month and a half ago, but we haven't made any progress – confirmed Carlos Leite.
Bolívar is encouraged by the red-black interest
Monaco defender wants to return to Brazil for his daughter
LANCEPRESS!
Defender Bolívar, a 2006 Libertadores champion with Internacional and currently playing for Monaco in France, expressed his satisfaction with Flamengo's interest in him for next season. Although he has not yet received any concrete offer, the player is willing to talk to the Flamengo board.
"If this is finalized, it will be a pleasure to wear the Flamengo jersey. But nothing is set in stone yet. For now, I'll wait," said the player, who emphasized his desire to return to Brazil.
Having a family with little time to live also makes the defender consider a quick return to the country. This is also the wish of the player's wife.
"I have a two-month-old daughter, and it's hard for my wife to be here alone. So, it would be good to return to Brazil to be closer to my relatives, who can help me at this time," he said in an interview with Rádio Brasil.
Fla and Flu continue to fight for Maracanã
Márcio Braga sent two representatives to a meeting with IMG in England
LANCEPRESS!
While Flamengo and Fluminense promise a great showdown next year in the Copa Libertadores, the two teams are united in their fight to manage the Maracanã. Flamengo president Márcio Braga sent two representatives to England for a meeting with IMG, the company that will manage the stadium for Flamengo, Fluminense, and the CBF.
"We had a meeting last Monday with IMG, the CBF, and Fluminense. The English invited us to the meeting in England this week, but due to commitments, I couldn't go, so I sent two competent representatives. From the news I'm receiving from there, things are well underway," Márcio Braga told Rádio Tupi.
When asked if there was a chance of other companies coming forward to manage the Largest in the World, the director was confident.
- A very powerful group has been formed and the Secretary of Sports has already said that with two clubs like Flamengo and Fluminense using Maracanã and the Brazilian National Team using it as their home, all it takes is a strong company, and IMG has the competence to manage the stadium - concluded the director.
Romulo should return to the field in March
The midfielder underwent surgery on his right knee and is recovering well.
Midfielder Rômulo, who required surgery on his right knee after sustaining a serious injury on October 18th in the derby against Vasco, is not expected to return to action until March, according to Flamengo's doctor José Luís Runco.
"He's recovering very well, faster than expected. Our goal is for him to be able to train in February so he can return to play in March," he declared.
Fla Basketball: Duda calls fans to decision
Player says fans are the sixth player of the Gávea team
STAR OF THE FUTURE
It's not just in football that Flamengo fans have been making a name for themselves. The red-and-blacks are also seen as a major force for Flamengo's basketball team, which will decide the Rio de Janeiro State Championship next Wednesday.
The Gávea team will face Vasco at Maracanãzinho at 20 p.m. The red-and-black players will have the support of the stands.
"It's like that in any sport. Flamengo's fans are always a plus. They helped us a lot in the semifinals, and I hope to count on them again in the final," said Marcelinho Machado's brother and the hero of our final qualification.
The Coloneze pivot counts on the support of the Nation in the quest for the title.
- Their support is essential and gives us special motivation to achieve this third championship - he said.
Flamengo's opponent in the grand final of this year's Rio de Janeiro Basketball Championship was decided last Monday. Vasco defeated Fluminense 80-65 at Club Municipal, finishing the series 2-1.
Ratto not afraid to face Fla
The point guard was an idol at Rubro-Negro and wants to gain respect at Vasco too
LANCEPRESS!
With Vasco qualifying for the State Basketball Championship finals after defeating Fluminense 80-65 in the second game of the best-of-three series, point guard Ratto will have a thrilling final. A former Flamengo player, he will face the team in the title race, but he shows no fear:
"I have a lot of respect for Flamengo. I admire the strength of the club and its fans, and I won't forget the affection I received there. But I'm in a different world. I'm at Vasco, which also has a great fan base, and I'm trying to earn the same respect and admiration," he says.
The first classic of the final takes place this Wednesday, at 20:30 pm, at Maracanãzinho.
Cristian steering wheel should remain at Mengo
Agent says player has a 75% chance of staying at the club
LANCEPRESS!
Midfielder Cristian is likely to remain at Gávea. At least that's what his agent, Josias Cardoso, says, believing Lokomotiv Moscow (RUS) will drop the case.
– The new coach is watching his DVDs. There's more chance of him not finishing than of him doing so.
I would say there is a 75% chance he will stay at Flamengo – said Josias.