The Globe
Only Flamengo fans change the average attendance of the Brazilian Championship
Study analyzes the behavior of the country's football fans since 1971
Flamengo's fans at Maracanã: the only one among the mass clubs capable, on its own, of changing the average attendance of a Brazilian championship
Carlos Eduardo Mansur
In the year in which the Brazilian Championship recorded its best attendance average since 1987, a study reveals what attracts and what drives fans away from the country's stadiums. Sports marketing firm Golden Goal, whose clients include AC Milan and former player Leonardo, examined data from all 13.618 matches in the tournament's history.
The study shows that factors such as the technical quality and performance of the home team, in addition to the game's relevance in the championship, clearly influence demand. It also indicates that violence is a factor in stadium flight and that Flamengo's fans are the only ones in the country that single-handedly influence the average attendance for the Brazilian Championship.
Ticket prices are only an important factor when games are not decisive.
Despite the 2007 record, the championship experiences significant attendance fluctuations. However, in the last 15 editions, attendance has only twice exceeded the historical average of 13,9 paying spectators per match.
The competition has a very high rate of idle capacity in stadiums: since 1971, only 2,2% of games have had more than 90% capacity.
VIOLENCE: State derbies have suffered the largest drop in attendance in recent years. Since the 70s, average attendance for derbies has dropped by almost 50%. Meanwhile, interstate games considered low-risk have seen a 33% drop. In Rio, the Flamengo-Vasco derbies have seen an average attendance drop since 2000, 55% lower than in the 90s and 49% lower than in the 70s. Other Rio derbies involving Flamengo have seen a 16% drop compared to the 90s and a 42% drop compared to the 70s.
RELEVANCE OF THE MATCH: In the old knockout format of the Brazilian Championship, attendance always increased as the competition progressed. The finals historically averaged 72 people, compared to 15 in the initial stages. In points-based competitions, the audience has difficulty perceiving the particular importance of a match. Variations depend on each team's performance. Secondary objectives (a place in the Libertadores, the South American Cup, and the fight against relegation) aren't strong enough to affect the average attendance. In 2006, Vasco, which lost its Libertadores spot in the final round, spent 80% of the competition with attendances below the championship average, almost always less than 10. São Paulo, which historically has a lower average attendance than Vasco, already surpassed 20 people shortly after the halfway point. In 2007, Botafogo had, in the first half of the season, while aspiring to the title, an average of 19 paying spectators per game, 43% above its historical average in the Brazilian Championship. In the second half of the competition, the average dropped to 10 per game, when the team could, at most, reach the Libertadores.
TEAM QUALITY: Home clubs with a championship record above 60% have average attendances 50% higher than the competition average. The visiting club's record can also have a significant impact on average attendance.
EXPECTATION OF VICTORY: The study shows that attendance varies according to the difference in performance between the home and away teams. The type of match that attracts the most fans is one in which the home team has a strong record in the championship and a performance between ten and 20 percentage points above the opponent. This type of match attracts, on average, an audience 51% higher than the historical championship average. In other words, it's a match between two strong teams, with a slight tendency for the home team to win. When the home team is doing well in the competition and has a performance of 40 or more percentage points above the opponent, attendance tends to be 18% higher than average. A clear tendency to lose also drives away fans.
PARTICIPANTS: The study shows that there is no correlation between a large number of smaller clubs participating in the Brazilian Championship and a drop in average attendance. It is true that in 1979, when 78 teams played in the Brazilian Championship, there was one of the lowest average attendances in history, with 9 people. That same year, there was the lowest attendance of popular clubs: Santos, São Paulo, and Corinthians did not compete. In 2004, when the 12 most popular clubs in the country played in the Brazilian Championship, the average attendance was only 8,4. In 1983, there was the highest average attendance in the early stages of the Brazilian Championship—excluding knockouts—with 20,6 people. That year, 60% of the participants were not among the 12 most popular teams.
PERFORMANCE OF MASS CLUBS: Only Flamengo, with its performance, is capable of changing the average attendance in the Brazilian Championship. In years when the club reached the final, the Brazilian Championship average was almost 70% higher than in years when the club finished below 16th place. In 2007, the year with the highest average attendance in the last 20 years, Flamengo had 39 fans per game. The club was responsible for 22% of the attendance increase compared to 2006. One-sixth of the 2007 attendance attended Flamengo games. In years when Corinthians performed well, for example, the average attendance in the Brazilian Championship was just over 10% higher than in years when the São Paulo team finished below 16th place.
DAY OF THE WEEK: This factor is moderately important. Historically, the average attendance for Sunday games is 25% higher than for Wednesdays, for example. Considering only early-season matches, the difference rises to 50%. However, since the 70s, the drop in average attendance has been more pronounced on Sundays: 53% versus 37% on other days. The study indicates that midweek fans are willing to make more sacrifices to go to the game and are more fanatical. Sunday fans have more "casual fans," who have drifted away with the reduction in the number of idols and the weakening of clubs.
TICKET PRICES: Today's adjusted price is, on average, more than double what was paid in 1971. In points-based competitions and the early stages of competitions, ticket prices have a significant impact on attendance. The study indicates that, in finals, Brazilian fans' demand is price inelastic. In this case, interest survives higher prices.
IMBALANCE: The study shows that, on average, when the leader opens up a large gap in points, the drop in the average audience in the competition can reach 50%.
STADIUMS: Since the construction of Arena da Baixada, in 1999, Atlético-PR has seen a 40% increase in its average attendance in the Brazilian Championship.
FLA ANNOUNCES REINFORCEMENTS
Flamengo will begin confirming its signings for 2008 starting tomorrow. In addition to keeping goalkeeper Bruno, the club is expected to officially sign a defender, possibly Rodrigo (Dynamo Kyiv), a midfielder, and a striker. The board is only waiting for the payment of outstanding salaries to announce its latest signings: "We have everything tied up," says vice president of football Kleber Leite.
Renato Mauricio Prado
Zico's dream will come true! After Galo revealed to TV Globo reporter Regis Rosing that he often dreams of still being a player and, among other things, sees himself at the Maracanã stadium, passing passes to Obina to score goals, the current darling of the red-and-black fans confirmed his presence at the celebration on the 27th at Maracanã, when the red-and-black team, the 1987 Brazilian champions, will face a team of past stars.
On vacation in Bahia, Obina has already announced that he will even record the match, as, in the future, he intends to show Sayonara (his one-year-old daughter) that he played alongside the greatest red-black player of all time.
He will play in place of Bebeto - who cannot play because he is traveling to the USA that same night.
Sports Journal
Roger leaves. Marcinho enters.
The board of directors announces the signing of Marcinho, formerly of Atlético-MG, to replace midfielder Roger.
Nathan de Lima
Former Galo player Marcinho is Flamengo's new signing for next season
Coach Joel Santana had already announced that he would ask Santa Claus for just four reinforcements for next season (a defender, a holding midfielder, a midfielder, and a striker), as he trusted the team that achieved Flamengo's remarkable comeback in this year's Brazilian Championship. With the confirmation of midfielder Marcinho, formerly of Atlético-MG, now only one striker is missing to complete the coach's wish list.
The other players in the Christmas package, which vice-president of football Kleber Leite will announce throughout the week, are defender Rodrigo and defensive midfielder Jonatas.
Marcinho played for Atlético-MG during the last Brazilian Championship, but due to disagreements with coach Emerson Leão, he ended up losing his place at Galo, and the club didn't fight hard to keep him. The club's director of football, Beto Arantes, said that Flamengo's offer was irresistible.
"We even tried to talk to Marcinho, but Flamengo made a good offer, and we couldn't keep it. I'd say the player is 90% at Gávea. We tried to keep him here, but it was no use," explained Beto Arantes.
The details of the negotiation have not yet been released, but the supporter's manager, Daniel Pereira, warned that for everything to be official, all that is needed is the signature.
"There was no agreement with Atlético. We received a significant offer from Flamengo and decided to accept it. Nothing has been signed yet, but everything is practically finalized," said Daniel Pereira.
Kleber Leite decided to adopt a policy of only talking about players signed by Rubro-Negro, to prevent names from continuing to be speculated on a daily basis.
"I don't talk about players who haven't signed with us yet. Not about Marcinho, not about anyone else. I have that right," Kleber Leite raged.
With the signing of the player, Ricardinho's name, which was offered to the club, is practically ruled out, as the athlete would only be sought if negotiations with Marcinho were canceled.
The name of the striker who will complete Joel's list is still a secret, but it is very likely that this player will come from a neighboring country, as there are few options in the domestic market.
Léo Moura participates in charity game
Flamengo's Laeral will play Vila Kennedy against hunger this Sunday
As is customary every year-end, right-back Leonardo Moura is a guaranteed presence at charity matches. Before participating in the All-Star Game, an event organized by his eternal idol Zico, on the 27th at Maracanã, he will play "Vila Kennedy sem fome" (Vila Kennedy without hunger) this Sunday at 15 pm in the Vila Olímpica de Vila Kennedy. The entrance fee will be one kilo of non-perishable food, and he will be joined by professional players like Hugo, from São Paulo, and artists like singer Toni Garrido.
"I try to participate in these charity games every year-end to try to give back a little of what I have today and help those in need. Tomorrow's game has a special meaning for me, as it will be where I was born and spent part of my childhood. I hope people come out and that we can collect a good amount of food, which will be donated to local organizations," said Léo Moura.
4 questions for VANDER
Vander Sacramento Vieira was born on October 3, 1988, and joined Flamengo in 97 after excelling at the Madureira academy. One of the club's biggest standouts in the youth ranks, the young player became known for his inverted scooter dribble.
In the last Brazilian Under-20 Championship, Vander started as a substitute, but ended up earning his place during the competition.
1 What did you think of your and the team's performance in the Brazilian Under-20 Championship? We didn't do very well. The team expected a much better performance, but unfortunately it didn't happen. I wasn't spectacular either, but I ended up earning a spot during the tournament, which makes me think I pleased the coach.
2. Which player on the first team do you particularly admire?\ I really look up to Renato Augusto; he's a great player. I admire him not only for his characteristics, which aren't exactly like mine, but also for his ability to reach the professional level and establish himself there.\
3. What are your prospects for next year? My biggest wish right now is to be part of the professional squad, even if I don't play in the Copa Libertadores. I just want to be with the group and participate in any competition.
4 If you go to the pros, you'll work with Joel Santana. What do you think of him? He's a great coach who pays a lot of attention to the club's youth teams.
Mayor will honor fans
The red-and-black fans will receive a fair tribute from Botafogo fan Cesar Maia
Flamengo's fans put on a show throughout this year's Brazilian Championship and were one of the key factors in Joel Santana's team's comeback - leaving the second-to-last position in the competition and finishing third in the country's main tournament.
Because of this passion, the great Flamengo nation was declared a cultural heritage site of Rio de Janeiro. To honor Mayor César Maia, the entire Flamengo board, along with a representative from each Flamengo fan group, will go to the City Palace next Tuesday to present the mayor with a plaque.
Zico\ Tickets for the "all-star game," organized by Zico, which will be held on the 27th at Maracanã, went on sale yesterday at CFZ headquarters. Grandstand tickets cost R$10, and blue seat tickets are R$6.\
The event will feature stars from the past and present such as Seedorf, Nakata, Arce, Gamarra, Ibson, Edmundo, Leo Moura, Vagner Love, Amoroso, Zinho, Júnior, Renato Gaúcho, Bebeto and Aldair.
Defender Hélder is leaving Gávea
Defender Hélder, who came through Flamengo's youth ranks, will not continue at the club in 2008. Little used by Joel Santana, the player has a contract until May, but an agreement is being negotiated for his departure.
Hélder has two options for his future: one is Boavista, which will participate in the 2008 Campeonato Carioca and is trying to build a competitive team to make a good showing in the competition. Another possibility is Coritiba, with whom he could begin negotiations next week.
For Marcinho to be part of Fla, he just needs to sign the contract
Atlético/MG Official Website
Marcinho is close to being Mengão's next reinforcement for the 2008 Libertadores
Supporter Marcinho, who was at Atlético Mineiro, will defend Flamengo in the 2008 season. According to Beto Arantes, the club's football director, Galo did everything to keep the athlete, but the offer from Rubro-Negro was superior.
"We tried to talk, but Flamengo made an offer, and we couldn't keep it. We tried to keep him here, but it didn't work out. Now we're going to look for another candidate for the position," said Beto.
Daniel Pereira, Marcinho's agent, did not reveal details of the transaction, but assured that Flamengo's proposal was excellent.
"There was no agreement with Atlético. We received a significant offer from Flamengo. It hasn't been signed yet, but we're closing the deal," the attorney assured.
Kleber Leite, vice president of football for the Gávea team, preferred not to comment on Marcinho's arrival at Urubu.
"I'm only talking about players who have already signed contracts. Before that, I won't say anything. We might have news next week," Kleber said evasively.
Marcinho will be Flamengo's second reinforcement for the 2008 Copa Libertadores. Before him, Flamengo had already signed Kleberson, back in 2007.
Ibson celebrates comeback in 2007
Nothing beats one day after another, or in the case of midfielder Ibson, one year after another. The player is experiencing one of the best phases of his career playing for Flamengo, the club that discovered him, and he himself assures: In one year, everything has changed.
In 2006, Ibson was playing for Porto and experienced what he himself described as one of the worst years of his life. But according to Flamengo's number 7, things improved in 2007.
"Last year was one of the worst of my life. I had two serious injuries and problems with my coach at Porto. Today I'm happy, everything has changed. I got married, had a child and I'm doing very well at Flamengo. I hope everything continues like this," Ibosn told Ràdio Bandeirantes.
Marina Canetti and Flávia go to Italy
Marina Canetti (1) and Flávia Fernandes (2) shone at the 2007 Pan American Games in Rio de Janeiro
Italy's legion of perfect girls has gained two members: forward Flávia Fernandes and Rio de Janeiro center Marina Canetti were announced by Florentia for the second round of the Italian Water Polo League. They join Cassie Azevedo (Rapallo) and Alê Araújo (Roma), as well as Andrea Henriques (Gifa, Serie A-2).
Yesterday, at the end of the first half, Florentia was defeated 14-3 by Ortígia. And the Brazilians face a tough task.
"It's another challenge, and we'll travel with the goal of helping the team, first and foremost, avoid relegation. But we also have the ambition to climb a few positions, and before the Pre-Olympic tournament, our first goal is to beat Messina, our direct rival," commented Flávia, who is entering her fifth season in Italy.
Flamengo's Marina Canetti will be a rookie after spending three years at Long Beach (USA). This experience and match rhythm will be crucial for the stars in helping Brazil secure a spot in Beijing.
"We're going to the Pre-Olympics to try and secure a spot. If I said otherwise, I'd be lying. Russia's result at the Holidays is encouraging. I know they're in transition, but the sting they took from the United States: 10 goals, shows they're not as consistent," said Flávia.
O Dia
Flamengo: Marcinho is coming
Supporter will not stay at Atlético-MG and should be another reinforcement for the red-black team
Rio - In addition to the arrival of defender Rodrigo, formerly of São Paulo and Dynamo Kyiv, and the return of defensive midfielder Jônatas from Espanyol, Flamengo will announce in the coming hours the signing of midfielder Marcinho from Atlético-MG, who failed to reach an agreement with Galo. Marcinho will fill the vacancy left by Roger, who returned to Corinthians. Flamengo's vice president of football, Kléber Leite, prefers to wait for the contract to be signed.
"I only talk about players who have already signed contracts. Before that, I don't say anything. But next week we may have news," Kléber admitted.
The details of the deal were not revealed. However, Daniel Pereira, Marcinho's agent, said it is practically a done deal. "We received a significant offer from Flamengo. It's not signed yet, but we're closing the deal," he stated.
Kléber Leite downplayed the departure of football director Marcos Braz, a longtime political ally at Flamengo who opposed Jônatas' return. "There's no such thing as an isolated will at Gávea. At Flamengo, the process is democratic."
Sports Gazette
According to the businessman, Dynamo accepted Fla's proposal for Rodrigo\ Gazeta Press\
Rio de Janeiro (RJ) - Defender Rodrigo, formerly of São Paulo, could sign with Flamengo in the coming days. The player's agent, Giuseppe Dioguardi, confirms that Dynamo Kyiv, the Ukrainian club that holds his federation rights, has accepted the offer from the Rio de Janeiro club. Currently 28, the defender excelled at the São Paulo club, but failed to shine in Ukrainian football and ended up injuring his knee. He is recovering from the injury at Vila Belmiro, Santos' facilities.
While waiting to finalize the deal, the Flamengo board is trying to expedite the return of midfielder Jônatas, who is at Espanyol. The club also plans to repatriate midfielder Renato, who is playing in Arab football. Flamengo's lawyer, Michel Assef Filho, will travel to Dubai next week to speak with Al-Nasr officials about the possibility of releasing the player before the end of his contract.
The lawyer will also travel to Turkey to try to reach an agreement with Besiktas officials. The goal is to resolve the issues involving supporter Kleberson.
PeléNet
Without an agreement, Atlético-MG admits losing Marcinho to Flamengo
Luiza Oliveira\ In Belo Horizonte\
Atlético-MG's football director, Beto Arantes, announced this Saturday that the destination of midfielder Marcinho, who has a contract with the Minas Gerais club until the end of this month, will be Flamengo, which will compete in the Copa Libertadores in 2008.
According to the director, the Rio de Janeiro club made a "good offer" for Marcinho. "There's a 99% chance Marcinho will go to Flamengo. It's difficult to make a deal with him. Flamengo made a good offer, his agent thought it best to go, so it's unlikely he'll stay," he said.
According to Beto, the offer didn't reach Atlético, but rather the player, whose contract with Atlético expires at the end of the year. According to the director, the problems during the year were a factor in Marcinho's decision to stay at Cidade do Galo. "There was no understanding. He wasn't very happy about staying here, given the things that had happened this year," he said.
Marcinho arrived at Atlético last year and has been marked by ups and downs at the club. Upon his arrival, he was criticized by fans for playing for rival Cruzeiro, but he turned things around and stood out as the club's number ten in winning the Série B.
This year, he failed to replicate his performances and faced off-field issues. After Emerson Leão took over as manager of the club, Marcinho missed a training session because he had gone out partying the night before. The coach barred him from the match against Palmeiras, in the first leg, the following Sunday.
Marcinho trained separately from the rest of the group and had to recover from groin pain after the incident. The point guard only returned to the starting lineup in the match against rival Cruzeiro on September 16th, but finished the season as a starter.
Flamengo is considering loaning out young defender Hélder
From UOL Esporte\ In Rio de Janeiro\
Flamengo is negotiating for young defender Hélder, who was barely used in 2007 and doesn't appear to be part of coach Joel Santana's initial plans for next season. The intention is to loan the player for a year to gain more experience.
The first option would be Boavista, a club that competes in the first division of the Rio de Janeiro State Championship. However, Coritiba, recently promoted to the Brazilian Championship's Série A, has also expressed interest.
Currently, Rubro-Negro has six defenders on its roster: Fábio Luciano, Ronaldo Angelim, Rodrigo Arroz, Marlon, Thiago Sales, and Hélder. Rodrigo, from Dynamo Kyiv-UKR, could sign soon, meaning Hélder would have even less chance of playing.
Close to renewing, Bruno thanks Flamengo fans for their support
From UOL Esporte\ In Rio de Janeiro\
On the verge of extending his contract with Flamengo for four years, goalkeeper Bruno reiterates his affection for the red-black fans, who supported him in the most difficult moments.
Gávea's number 1 knows that he owes much of his success to the strength of the stands, because even after making some mistakes, the goalkeeper was always greeted by the fans and treated like a true hero.
"I can't complain, I can only be grateful. The fans have always given me encouragement and a lot of affection. When I needed it, they were welcomed," said Bruno, in an interview with Rádio Tupi.
The goalkeeper's stay at Rubro-Negro is almost certain. The club has already sent a proposal to the group of investors who hold Bruno's economic rights, which was accepted. A new contract until the end of 2011 is expected to be signed next week.
BalloonSport
Obina will play alongside Zico
The fans' favorite will replace Bebeto in the game on the 27th at Maracanã
Flamengo fans will be able to witness on the 27th, at the Maracanã, a strike duo that seemed only a dream come true: Zico and Obina. In fact, the greatest idol in Flamengo's history has already revealed to TV Globo that he still dreams of playing at the Maracanã, providing passes for Obina to score his goals (watch the video below). According to columnist Renato Mauricio Prado, the Flamengo fans' favorite will replace Bebeto in the match between Flamengo, the 1987 Brazilian champions, and a team of past stars. Obina is on vacation in Bahia and has already announced, according to the columnist, that he will record the game to show his one-year-old daughter, Sayonara, in the future.
Bebeto, who scored the winning goal in the 1987 1-0 victory over Internacional, will not participate in the match because he has a trip to the United States scheduled for the same night.
Galo says Marcinho is from Fla
The player will be announced by the club next week. The director is waiting for the signature.
Marcinho is Fla's new reinforcement
Midfielder Marcinho is no longer a player for Atlético-MG. He has agreed to join Flamengo and will play for the club in 2008. The information was confirmed by the club's director of football, Beto Arantes, who added that the Atlético-MG board spared no effort to keep the player, but that the Rio de Janeiro club's offer was better.
"We tried to talk (with the player), but Flamengo made an offer and we couldn't keep it. We tried to keep him here, but it didn't work. Now we're looking for another name for the position," says Beto Arantes.
The details of the negotiation were not disclosed, but the athlete's agent confirms that the proposal was very good:
"There was no agreement with Atlético. We had a significant offer from Flamengo. It hasn't been signed yet, but we're closing the deal. We left Atlético without any trauma. I have a lot of affection for Ziza (president, Ziza Valadares), and the player does too," reveals Daniel Pereira.
Flamengo's vice president of football, Kléber Leite, preferred not to confirm the negotiation, precisely because he did not have the player's contract signed.
"I'm only talking about players who have already signed contracts. Before that, I won't say anything. We may have news next week," says the director.
Leo Moura participates in charity game
Right-back will play in a match to raise food for Vila Kennedy
Leonardo Moura shows off a shirt with a photo of his daughter Maria Eduarda.
Right-back Leo Moura will participate in the "Vila Kennedy sem fome" charity match. The match will be held this Sunday at 15 p.m. at the venue's Olympic Village. In addition to the Flamengo player, São Paulo midfielder Hugo and singer Tony Garrido of the band Cidade Negra have also confirmed their attendance.
Fans interested in watching the game must exchange a ticket for 1kg of non-perishable food.
"I try to participate in these charity games every year-end to give back a little of what I have today and help those in need. This Sunday's game is a special occasion for me, as it will be where I was born and spent part of my childhood. I hope people come out and that we can collect a good amount of food, which will be donated to local charities," says the right-back.
Hélder will not stay at Fla in 2008
Defender, little used in 2007, will be traded. Boavista and Coxa are interested.
Little used by coach Joel Santana in 2007, young defender Hélder will not stay with Flamengo next season. The 21-year-old has already received an offer from Boavista, who will return to the Carioca elite in 2008.
Another option is a transfer to Coritiba, a club with which Hélder could begin negotiations next week. The defender's contract runs until May, but an agreement is being reached to finalize his departure.
'Jewels of 2008': Erick Flores' funk in Fla
At 18 years old, the midfielder follows Zé Roberto and plays to the sound of Rio
Carlos Augusto Ferrari
Erick Flores is the big bet for Flamengo's youth teams
Finishing the year in third place in the Brazilian Championship and securing a spot in the Copa Libertadores couldn't have been more surprising for Flamengo fans. But in 2008, the surprises could be even greater. The club is preparing a new crop of young talent who promise to upset coach Joel Santana's starting lineup and even challenge for starting spots.
And the "problems" are likely to start in midfield. At just 18 years old (eight of them at Gávea), midfielder Erick Flores is emerging as one of the Rubro-Negro's brightest prospects, inspired by the best Brazilian player at the last World Cup to dream of a chance in the professional squad.
"I really like Zé Roberto. He's a player who knows how to attack and defend with quality. My style is the same. Íbson is a great example, as is Renato Augusto," says the young man, a resident of Jacarepaguá who was discovered playing futsal in 1999 at a club in Rio.
A standout for Flamengo in the U-20 Brasileirão, the midfielder, a funk and pagode fan, admits he's eager to be promoted to the senior team. In 2007, he trained a few times with the seniors but wasn't selected for any games. It's a chance that even affects his family.
WHO IS ERICK FLORES\ Name: Erick Flores Bonfim\ Position: Midfielder\ Date and place of birth: 30/04/1989, in Rio de Janeiro-RJ\ Height and weight: 1,65m / 69kg\ Career: Flamengo (since 1999)\ Strengths: Speed and skill\ Weaknesses: Individualism and physical build\
"It's hard to contain my excitement right now. I have two sisters who don't even want me to wear those wristbands anymore because they think it's a masked player thing (laughs). I don't care about that stuff. I really like listening to funk and pagode. Any band or singer in those styles pleases me," he says.
Paulo Sérgio, Bruno Mezenga and Kayke: chances could appear at Flamengo
A Flamengo idol in the 70s and 80s and current coach of the youth team, Adílio is betting on the youngster as one of the new players for next year and praises his ability to work in midfield.
"I've been following Erick since he was a kid. He's a very skilled player, with good strength, and a great sense of the game. He's also learned to mark and hasn't lost his offensive prowess. In an emergency, you can count on him to get the job done without any problems," he says.
Despite being eliminated in the quarterfinals of the Brazilian Under-20 Championship after losing to Cruzeiro, Flamengo is expected to promote other players, such as forwards Bruno Mezenga (19 years old) and Paulo Sérgio (18 years old), who have already played with the professionals. Midfielder Kayke (19 years old) is also expected to appear.
"Flamengo has a very good crop of young players who can be a big help. In a year with the Libertadores on the calendar, many of them should start getting opportunities," adds Adílio.
Dynamo confirms Rodrigo's departure
The club released a statement on its official website and the defender is reportedly close to joining Flamengo.
Former São Paulo defender Rodrigo is on Dynamo Kyiv's transfer list. Dynamo Kyiv of Ukraine confirmed on its official website that defender Rodrigo is on the transfer list for next season. This strengthens the indications that the player will play for Flamengo in 2008. According to a source within the Flamengo board, the signing has not been announced because the player has not yet signed his contract with the Gávea club.
Rodrigo has already agreed on his salary with Flamengo. Last Friday, a fax from Dynamo approved the player's negotiations with Flamengo. The defender's contract is expected to be officially announced next week.
Rodrigo is on vacation in São Paulo and praised Flamengo. The player wanted to return to Brazil for the Libertadores Cup. Santos and São Paulo are racing to thwart the deal with Flamengo.
Bruno praises Flamengo fans
On vacation, the goalkeeper remembers that he was welcomed by the red-blacks at a bad time
Goalkeeper Bruno thanks the red-black fans for their affection in 2007
While enjoying a vacation in the countryside of Minas Gerais, goalkeeper Bruno praised Flamengo's fans. According to the player, who had part of his rights purchased by the Flamengo board, he only remained at the club out of respect for the fans.
- The fans always encouraged me and gave me a lot of affection, because when I needed it most and was going through a bad time, the Flamengo fans welcomed me - said the goalkeeper, in an interview with Rádio Tupi.
Bruno is expected to sign a four-year contract with Flamengo. The player was one of the Flamengo board's priorities for the upcoming season.
Throw
Marcinho is getting closer and closer to Flamengo
Supporter should be announced this week by Rubro-Negro
Marcinho is Flamengo's dream come true
Cassius Leitao RIO DE JANEIRO\ Guilherme de Paula\
Flamengo is getting closer to signing a midfielder. Marcinho, a supporter of Atlético Mineiro, has already been approached by Kléber Leite, and according to the player's agent, Daniel Pereira, there's a good chance the Red-Blacks will finalize the deal.
Pereira even guarantees that the player is excited about the possibility of defending Flamengo next season.
"We're in talks, and the deal could happen. Marcinho knows Flamengo has a huge following and is inclined to move forward with the negotiations," he declared.
The businessman also said that his athlete will certainly not stay at Atlético Mineiro for 2008 and that Flamengo is the player's likely destination, as reported by LANCE! in last Friday's edition.
"There was no agreement with Atlético. We received a significant offer from Flamengo. It hasn't been signed yet, but we're close to closing," Daniel Pereira assured.
Marcinho will end his contract with Galo on December 31st and the board of the Minas Gerais club, confirming the statements made by the player's agent, has already announced that he will not stay at Atlético for the next season.
An attacking midfielder, Marcinho will be tasked with providing ammunition to the forwards if he signs with Flamengo. He's expected to compete for a position with Toró and Renato Augusto next year.
Upon learning of the above statements, the vice president of football, Kléber Leite, praised Marcinho and revealed that the deal should be closed soon.
– He's an extraordinary player and we intend to announce him this week – said the director.
Discovered by Cruzeiro, Marcinho, 23 years old, won the triple crown (Brazilian, Mineiro and Copa do Brasil) for the club in 2003 and then went on to play for Grêmio and Gençlerbirligi, in Turkey, before going to Galo, in 2006.
Ibson, from Fla, competes in new charity match
Diego and other former Flamengo players will also participate
While waiting for 2008, Ibson joined his friends Diego (goalkeeper), Léo Mattos, and Júnior (former Flamengo player) to organize a charity soccer game. The "Happy New Year" event will take place on the 26th of this month in Niterói, and will feature Flamengo players and former players. Admission will cost 2 kg of food.
The game features longtime friends. Diego and Ibson have known each other since they were kids.
"We've been friends for 24 years. We were neighbors in the Santa Catarina neighborhood (in São Gonçalo). It's nice to be helping out now," said the goalkeeper.
The organizers of the game expect to collect 20 tons of food, which will be donated to charities.
Publix supermarket in São Gonçalo alone donated nearly 5 tons. In exchange, they asked Ibson, Diego, and Léo Mattos to circle the store for customers when they pick up the food.
Léo Moura will participate in a game against hunger
The 'Vila Kennedy without hunger' match will be held this Saturday
LANCEPRESS!
Flamengo right-back Leonardo Moura will participate in the "Vila Kennedy sem fome" charity match this Sunday at 15 p.m. at the Vila Olímpica in Vila Kennedy. Players like São Paulo's Hugo and artists like Toni Garrido will also play.
I participate in these charity games every year-end to try to give back a little of what I have today and help those in need. The game is special to me because it will be where I was born and spent part of my childhood. I hope people come out and that we can collect a good amount of food, which will be donated to local organizations.
Léo Moura will also be present at the All-Star Game, on the 27th, at Maracanã, where the four-time Brazilian champion team for Flamengo in 1987 will also play.