The Globe
MARCINHO AT FLA
Atlético-MG midfielder Marcinho is expected to be presented in the coming days as Flamengo's new signing for 2008. According to the Minas Gerais club's football director, Beto Arantes, an offer from the club prevented Atlético-MG from keeping the 23-year-old player. Marcinho's agent, Daniel Pereira, says he is close to an agreement with Flamengo.
Sports Journal
Flamengo pays tribute to Cesar Maia
A key factor in Flamengo's incredible recovery in this year's Brazilian Championship, the red-and-black fans, who always put on a show in the stands, received the recognition they deserved and were declared a cultural heritage site in Rio de Janeiro.
With the overwhelming support of the nation, the Gávea club moved from second-to-last to third place in the country's most prestigious competition, securing its spot in next year's Copa Libertadores. To reciprocate the Rio de Janeiro city government's official act, the club and its fans will pay tribute to Mayor Cesar Maia tomorrow.
At the ceremony, which will be held at the City Palace, the entire red-black board, along with a representative from each organized fan group, will hand over a plaque to the mayor.
Souza is the only one guaranteed in the attack
The only undisputed starter in attack for next season is the striker Souza (pictured), who arrived at the club with the club's distrust. However, thanks to a spectacular end of the year, he earned the trust of coach Joel Santana and will likely be the No. 9 during the Copa Libertadores. The biggest question on fans' minds right now is who will partner him, as Argentine Maxi Biancucchi's performance has declined significantly and was eventually benched by the coach.
With Leonardo's departure, Joel had few attacking options, as Obina shares Souza's characteristics. Furthermore, Paulo Sérgio and Kayke are very young. Renato Augusto, who played the last few matches in that role, is a supporter and should likely be used by the coach as such.
Ever since he arrived at Flamengo, Joel had been looking for his ideal partner and, during a week of training at Granja Comari, he ended up choosing Maxi to be Souza's partner, but the promising attack ended up going down the drain during the Brazilian Championship.
The board is negotiating confidentially with a striker, so his name cannot be revealed. However, several names have been floated, all denied. The latest speculated name was top scorer Dodô, but vice president of football Kleber Leite and coach Joel Santana denied any interest in the player. The other two names (Ronaldo Fenômeno and Adriano) were considered summer dreams by agents.
Only one striker is missing
The board of directors should announce, this week, the hiring of four reinforcements for next year
Nathan de Lima and Tiago da Costa
Jônatas, Rodrigo, and Marcinho are expected to be announced in the coming days. A striker is missing.
This week is crucial for Flamengo's plans. The club's vice president of football, Kleber Leite, promised to announce a Christmas package this week, which would include at least four players. Three of them are already known: defender Rodrigo, formerly of São Paulo, defensive midfielder Jonatas, currently at Espanyol, and midfielder Marcinho, formerly of Atlético-MG. However, the striker requested by coach Joel Santana remains unknown, and negotiations are being handled in the strictest secrecy by Flamengo's executives.
According to sources close to the board, Kleber Leite has not yet officially announced the four names because the club owes two months of salaries to employees, and talking about reinforcements at this time could further upset the atmosphere at Gávea, which has already been shaken since the departure of football director Marcos Braz.
Considered Kleber Leite's right-hand man, Marcos was fired by the manager himself, after making public his dissatisfaction with the negotiations for the possible hiring of Jonatas.
The employees' salaries are part of the board's plans and have not been paid because the club is awaiting the release of sponsorship funds from Petrobras, which should be deposited into the club's coffers starting today. They should receive their salaries by the 20th.
Kleber Leite had already stated that he did not intend to comment on potential signings and would only discuss players who signed with the club. This measure is intended to minimize speculation and prevent the board from being pressured by names that have never even been near Gávea. Late yesterday afternoon, the director confirmed to JORNAL DOS SPORTS that fans could be in for some pleasant surprises starting today.
"It's a crucial week, and it's very likely that all signings will be announced by Christmas. We haven't signed anyone yet, but everything is well underway. Starting tomorrow (today), we should start announcing someone. The first name will probably be announced on Tuesday," said Kleber Leite.
The board has not confirmed this, but it is very likely that the striker's name will come from a neighboring country, as there are few options in the domestic market.
Michel Assef Filho goes to Türkiye to resolve Kleberson's case
Kleberson is, so far, Flamengo's only reinforcement for the 2008 Copa Libertadores
Flamengo's board is thinking about the future and, to protect itself from unpleasant surprises in 2008, sent the club's lawyer, Michel Assef Filho, to Turkey, where Assef will try to negotiate with Besiktas, midfielder Kleberson's former club.
The negotiation has a reason: if Kleberson is convicted, he will be required to pay US$3 million to the Turkish club. Should this occur, Flamengo is considering extending the player's current contract, which runs through 2008, by three more years, until the end of 2011.
Thus, Rubro-Negro could take a fraction of Kleberson's payment every month to pay off the debt that would be acquired with Besiktas.
RENATO ABREU
Michel Assef Filho will take advantage of his trip to Turkey and stop in Dubai, where he will attempt to negotiate the transfer of midfielder Renato Abreu, who played for the club until September of this year. The player was traded to Al-Nasr, a club in the United Arab Emirates.
The release clause on Renato's contract, which runs until May 2008, is US$13 million. Assef will attempt to negotiate a reduction in the player's transfer fee with the Middle Eastern club in an attempt to bring him in time for the Copa Libertadores. Otherwise, there won't be time to register the player.
In addition to Flamengo, arch-rival Fluminense expressed interest in having the player for the continental competition in 2008.
O Dia
Fla: Zico and Obina together
All-Star Game, on the 27th, at Maraca, will have the duo as the sensation of the party
Rio - Because of the age difference, it would only be a dream to imagine the darling Obina receiving sweet passes from the eternal idol Zico. But the red-and-black fans who go to Maracanã on the 27th will be able to see the unusual duo in action.
From Turkey, Zico is planning the All-Star Game at the Maracanã stadium with the help of his son, Júnior, who lives in Rio. A fan of Obina's cheerful and determined football, the Galinho de Quintino knows that the name of the top scorer, a favorite of the red-and-black fans, will help promote the charity game.
"Obina is a great player. The idea of calling him up for the game came from a dream. In it, I was giving passes to Obina to score goals for Flamengo," says Zico.
In Gávea, the name of midfielder Marcinho, formerly of Atlético-MG, is confirmed, but vice president of football Kléber Leite only guarantees that Flamengo is very close to announcing an official four-year agreement with goalkeeper Bruno.
"There's only one small detail left to resolve in the negotiations, which are going extremely well. We have a great chance of getting things done by Christmas," said Kléber.
Tomorrow, Flamengo will pay tribute to Mayor Cesar Maia, who made the red-and-black fans a cultural heritage of the city.
Sports Gazette
Flamengo close to signing Marcinho\ Gazeta Press\
Rio de Janeiro (RJ) - Keen to find a player who can add quality to its midfield in 2008, Flamengo is expected to announce in the coming days the signing of midfielder Marcinho, who played in the last Brazilian Championship for Atlético Mineiro. The player's agent, Daniel Pereira, said he was satisfied with the offer made by the Rio de Janeiro club. This week could also mark the presentation of defender Rodrigo, who was released by Dynamo Kyiv to return to Brazil on loan. The player would join an experienced central defense with Fábio Luciano.
Before presenting the reinforcements, however, Flamengo hopes to receive the Petrobras sponsorship quotas that are withheld, so that it can pay the squad and employees' salaries up to date.
Meanwhile, the Flamengo board plans to honor Rio de Janeiro Mayor César Maia, who signed an Official Act declaring Flamengo's fan base a Cultural Heritage Site of the city of Rio de Janeiro. The tribute is scheduled to take place Tuesday morning.
PeléNet
Duque de Caxias takes the last spot in the 1st Division of the Rio State Championship
From UOL Esporte\ In Rio de Janeiro\
Duque de Caxias secured the final spot in the first division of the Rio de Janeiro State Championship with a 1-1 draw with Olaria on Saturday at the Rua Bariri stadium. With the result, the Baixada Fluminense team reached 13 points, one point ahead of second-place Floresta in the quadrangular.
Duque Caxias is in Group A of the 2008 State Championship, alongside Flamengo, Fluminense, Boavista, América, Volta Redonda, Cardoso Moreira and Macaé. The debut will be on January 20th, at 18:10 pm (Brasília time), against América, in Édson Passos.
In the quadrangular that was worth the title of the Second Division, Resende had a better result, beating Mesquita 1-0, also on Saturday, and taking first place with 11 points. Resende is in Group B, alongside Vasco, Botafogo, Friburguense, Cabofriense, Madureira, Americano and Mesquita.
Flamengo will pay tribute to Mayor César Maia
From UOL Esporte\ In Rio de Janeiro\
Flamengo will honor César Maia for the Rio de Janeiro mayor's recognition of the club's fan base as a cultural asset. The ceremony will be held next Tuesday at 9:30 a.m. (Brasília time) at the Palácio da Cidade in Botafogo.
In the first act of the tribute, the Flamengo Charanga will sing Flamengo chants and the club anthem. Shortly after, president Márcio Braga will lead the mayor's reception and present him with an official Flamengo fan jersey, bearing the number 12.
At 10:10 a.m., César Maia will receive a plaque and gifts from the fans. Following this, the Flamengo president will deliver a speech. The ceremony will conclude with remarks from the mayor, who will hold a press conference at 10:45 a.m.
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.
BalloonSport
Love has fun and sings Fla's song
CSKA and Brazilian national team striker enjoys end-of-year break at Mangueira rehearsal
Vágner Love has fun at the Mangueira rehearsal, in the north zone of Rio
Striker Vágner Love had a blast last Saturday, the 15th, at the Mangueira samba school rehearsal in Rio de Janeiro's northern zone. The cheerful player had fun with a group of friends, sambaed, and, at the end, even sang the "Victory Theme," a favorite of Flamengo fans. A player for CSKA, Russia, and the Brazilian national team, he took advantage of the end-of-year break to relax before his return to Europe.
According to someone in the same box as the player, Love became excited when Flamengo's song started playing during rehearsal. She said the player leaned over the railing and sang passionately: "You are a team of tradition, race, love, and passion..."
Love arrived at the box alongside his teammate Jô, formerly of Corinthians and who also plays for CSKA.
Fla will pay tribute to Cesar Maia
The mayor's decision to make the fans a city heritage motivated the red-blacks
Flamengo's board of directors decided to pay tribute to Mayor Cesar Maia next Tuesday at 10 a.m. at the City Palace in Botafogo. The idea arose after the politician officially recognized the Flamengo fans as part of Rio de Janeiro's cultural heritage. With that in mind, the club and its fans decided to hold the ceremony.
The mayor will receive a number 12 jersey from Flamengo president Marcio Braga and several gifts from Flamengo fans. Cesar Maia and the Flamengo executive will then speak about the tribute.
Bruno's renewal is in the details
Kléber Leite reveals that the goalkeeper's new contract is close to being signed
Bruno is expected to stay as Flamengo's goalkeeper for another four years.
Unlike other times, goalkeeper Bruno's contract renewal shouldn't be a soap opera. Flamengo is very close to announcing a four-year deal with the goalkeeper, who has always stated his desire to stay at Gávea.
"There's only one small detail left to resolve in the negotiations, which are going extremely well. We have a good chance of getting things done by Christmas," said Kléber Leite.
The director heaped praise on Eduardo Uram, the player's agent, who is the bridge between Flamengo and the group of investors who own the goalkeeper's rights.
- Uram has been very competent and we are extremely grateful to him, he is a great companion - highlighted Kléber Leite
Renato back? Kléber finds it difficult
Flamengo's vice-president does not believe in the return of the midfielder, who is in the Emirates
Renato left Fla this year\ Flamengo's vice president of football, Kléber Leite, confirmed that the legal director of the football department, Michel Asseff Filho, should travel this week to Dubai, in the United Arab Emirates, to try to facilitate Renato's return.\
However, Kléber thinks it is unlikely he will be able to count on the player immediately, as he has a contract with Al Nasr until May next year.
"It's a difficult transaction, but Asseff will try. The negotiation is in his hands," said the club's director.
Throw
Thiago Sales isn't afraid of new faces in defense
Fla seeks new defender and youngster will no longer be junior age, in May
Upon turning 21 in May, defender Thiago Sales will no longer be old enough to play for the youth team. However, the player is determined to fight for his main goal: a spot in the senior squad, even with the possibility of Rodrigo being signed from Dynamo Kyiv.
"I've been fighting since I was little to be a starter for Flamengo. That's my biggest goal. But if the club signs Rodrigo or Bolívar, it would be great, as they're both good players. Of course, we want to play and perform, but we have to think about everyone," the youngster preaches.
Thiago has five appearances for the professional team and one goal, scored in the 1-1 draw with Sport, at Maracanã, in the 2007 Brasileirão.
Paulo Sérgio: 'We can't choose titles'
Striker says he is confident of achieving success next year
Fred Gomes RIO DE JANEIRO
With Flamengo's impressive run in the 2007 Brasileirão, the club's fans' ambitions grew, and the following thought began to emerge: what's more important? Winning the Brasileirão, a championship Flamengo hadn't won since 1992, or the Copa Libertadores, which guarantees a spot in the Club World Cup. Eighteen-year-old forward Paulo Sérgio initially chose the continental competition, but later decided against prioritizing one of the two.
"I think the Libertadores is very important, but if you think about it, Flamengo hasn't been Brazilian champion since 1992. They're two major championships, incredibly important. However, we can't choose. We have to work hard and win a title as quickly as possible. We have to make it clear to ourselves that we have to give our all to win titles, because there's no point in winning games if we don't win titles," the young man stated.
PS, as he is known among his teammates in the youth divisions, is confident about the upcoming season and outlines his goals:
"My goal is to work hard, better than I did in 2007, and continue earning opportunities with the first team. God willing, Joel, who has a lot of faith in me, will give me more opportunities so I can excel," he concluded.
Kayke's cut was a disciplinary punishment
However, the red-black striker will appear with the junior team on January 3rd.
One of the team's players in the Brazilian Under-20 Championship and who has already been part of Flamengo's professional squad, striker Kayke returned early to Rio de Janeiro due to inappropriate conduct, according to Rivelino Serpa, coordinator of the club's youth divisions.
"The cut was a punishment for his inappropriate behavior and will serve as a learning experience. It's all behind us now," Serpa explained.
To clarify that there is no hard feelings regarding the sanction, the coordinator made an analogy with traffic laws.
"He was fined four points on his license. On January 3rd, he will join the youth team in pursuit of his fourth title," he concluded.
Basketball: Flamengo's squad is defined
Eleven athletes will be used by the team in international competition
STAR OF THE FUTURE
After winning its third Rio de Janeiro basketball championship, Flamengo faces another important challenge in the sport: the 1st Men's Basketball League of the Americas. The tournament begins next Tuesday in Belo Horizonte.
Coach Paulo Chupeta decided, during training this weekend, the team that will participate in this first phase of the tournament, where Fla will face Minas, Boca Juniors-ARG and Defensor-URU.
The squad will consist of centers Coloneze, Alírio, Amiel, and Maicon, forwards Marcelinho, Duda, Wagner, and Fernando Mineiro, and point guards Hélio, Fred, and Marcellus. Other members of the Rio de Janeiro champion group, who were part of the club's youth academy, center Colin, forwards Wanderson and Rafael, and point guards João Ayres and Igor, will remain in Rio de Janeiro.
For pivot Coloneze, Flamengo's third highest scorer in 2007, the international tournament will be a good experience, and Flamengo's goal is to be champion.
"Our team was built to win titles. The Liga das Américas will be a very interesting and very difficult competition. We have the potential to win, and we're going to pursue this achievement," he declared.
Check out the schedule of games for Flamengo's group, Group C, which is based in the city of Belo Horizonte, in the competition:
December 18th\ Pitágoras/Minas x Flamengo/Petrobras, at 12pm\ Defensor Sporting x Boca Juniors, at 20:22pm\
December 19th\ Defensor Sporting x Pitágoras/Minas, at 12pm\ Boca Juniors x Flamengo/Petrobras, at 20:22pm\
December 20th\ Pitágoras/Minas x Boca Juniors, at 12pm\ Flamengo/Petrobras x Defensor Sporting, at 20:22pm\
Defender Rodrigo has his feet on Flamengo
The club must pay the first installment of the negotiation this week.
Flamengo only has a few bureaucratic steps left to complete before it can announce the signing of defender Rodrigo. Earlier this week, the president of Dynamo Kyiv (UKR) will send a fax officially authorizing the deal. The Rubro-Negro's offer has already been accepted.
Flamengo is expected to pay the first installment this week. The second installment is scheduled for mid-next year, after which the player will become Flamengo's new club.
LANCE! has learned that someone is in charge of finding an apartment for Rodrigo in Rio. The defender's next residence is expected to be in Barra da Tijuca. With extensive soccer experience, Kléber Leite combines optimism and skepticism in his speech.
"The situation is good today. Everything is scheduled for him to sign. Our homework is done. But, before signing, we can't guarantee it," said the vice president of football.