The Globe
Businessman warns Fla that Renato may leave
The board is already preparing to face the threat of a stampede of its main players
The foreign market hasn't even opened its doors to new signings, and Flamengo is already facing pressure on its key players. Previously, it was goalkeeper Bruno, then left-back Juan. Yesterday, Renato's agent warned vice president of football Kleber Leite that the player, one of the key players on the Flamengo squad, may soon receive irresistible offers. He didn't say which ones, but they would likely come from Arab clubs.
Renato decided not to comment on the matter, claiming he didn't want to create false expectations or cause confusion within the club. This is a defense for someone accused of faking an injury to avoid playing against Figueirense.
According to his advisors, he'll only leave if the offer is very rewarding, especially for the Arab world, since his second daughter, Rebeka, was born just over two months ago, and he wouldn't be willing to risk himself in such different countries.
For Flamengo, the situation is clear and complicated.
"The player's agent told me that concrete offers may emerge. If they pay the $5 million fine, he'll leave. And the club will keep 50%. The same situation with Juan, who is another highly targeted and highly valued player," said Kleber, who continues to fight to keep goalkeeper Bruno, whose contract expires on the 30th of this month.
Flamengo plays a training match this morning against Madureira, at Ninho do Urubu, behind closed doors, with no access for fans.
Sports Journal
Renato could leave Flamengo for Saudi Arabia
Kleber Leite confirms the sheikhs' interest in the supporter and says he may leave Gávea
Thiago Bokel
Allah, my good Allah! — Renato has received two million-dollar offers from Arab soccer and may be packing his bags for the Middle East. At 29, the midfielder has a contract with Flamengo until December and is one of the team's most important players.
Flamengo may lose one of its top stars for good. Supporter Renato, the team's captain, has received inquiries from two Arab groups interested in signing him. It's speculated that the player received a $1,5 million offer to transfer. Vice-president of football Kleber Leite, however, denied that the Arab groups have already decided on the value of the midfielder's transfer.
"There's still no certainty regarding the numbers, as no offer has yet been received by Flamengo. If it does happen, it's very likely he'll leave. It's not in Renato's interest, much less the club's, for him to leave at the end of the year without creating a burden for the club. The Brazilian calendar is poorly planned, because if the player's departure were finalized, Flamengo would only be able to fill the void with some foreign signing starting in early August," the director explained.
With the imminent loss of their key midfielder, several names are already being speculated at Gávea. Two of them are from São Paulo: Richarlyson and Lenílson. The Flamengo's football powerhouse also made a point of stating that Flamengo has no interest in Lenílson, who was reportedly offered a position by his agent, Paulo Lehmy, due to his dissatisfaction with the reserve role at the São Paulo club.
"This Lenílson story must be a ruse by his agent. Flamengo has no interest in him. There are several names on the table, but this one hasn't been considered," said Kleber Leite. Richarlyson, on the other hand, could have signed with the Red-Blacks not long ago, as coach Ney Franco himself admitted. However, the coach said that negotiations haven't progressed.
"The player offered to Flamengo about three weeks ago was Richarlyson, but when we started discussing the amount, negotiations cooled off," said the Flamengo manager. With Renato's departure confirmed, Flamengo loses one of its main weapons to escape the relegation zone.
Versatility, Toró's weapon
Moved to the creative sector after playing in attack and at the top of the box, Toró wants to overcome challenges and try to establish himself permanently in the Flamengo team. Almost ostracized and little used by the coaches who passed through Gávea, the midfielder doesn't want to waste the opportunity given to him by Ney Franco since the 2-2 draw with Internacional, when he was highly praised for his strong performance.
Toró doesn't care what position he's assigned. He wants to play more often, something he hasn't done since signing in early 2006. Fans complained a lot about why the club paid over R$1 million for him but didn't get the most out of him. The fan is willing to erase any negative image he has about his career.
"I overcame all my problems because I believed in myself and my work. I never stopped training, I always work hard to make the coach realize I'm not willing to give up. I'm 21 years old, and it's time to establish myself on the team. I'll take advantage of every opportunity Ney Franco gives me, including the opportunity to help set up plays," said Toró.
Possibility of staying in the lantern haunts Leonardo Moura
Ursula Nery/JS
Léo Moura trains at Ninho do Urubu and feels uncomfortable with 17th place in the Brazilian table
The real possibility of falling to the bottom of the Brazilian Championship is deeply frightening for right-back Leonardo Moura. Stuck in 17th place in the standings, Flamengo could end the weekend in last place if América-RN, Náutico, and Sport win their matches this round. Since the red-and-blacks won't play again until July 4th, against Atlético-MG, the players are deeply concerned.
Full-back Leonardo Moura, recovering from an adductor muscle injury in his right thigh, participated in training yesterday at Ninho do Urubu and commented on the fear of remaining in the relegation zone until the ninth round. "The other teams will play and probably score points, while we'll be left idle. This is very bad because we'll be returning at a very difficult time," the player said in a panic.
Despite being among the lower-ranking members of Brazilian football, Leonardo Moura can only hope for a turnaround after the team's 11-day absence. He asserts that Flamengo has a strong, winning group to overcome this period, when the entire team is making great strides. "We have to believe we can escape the relegation zone. It's difficult, but possible," he believes.
Leonardo Moura has been a key player, alongside Juan, in coach Ney Franco's strategy, which favors using the full-backs to create bylines. However, in yesterday's training session, the starters were held to a lackluster 0-0 draw by the reserves at the Vargem Grande training center.
Obina: From mid-July I will be ready
Striker Obina is about to return to the red-and-black team. However, the player doesn't want to rush his return and says he's been working hard to return in good shape and help his teammates.
"I'll try to do my best physically to come back in good shape, with the stamina to handle the matches. I won't be on the field for the next two matches, but I believe I'll be ready to play by mid-July," Obina told Rádio Brasil.
The fans' favorite reaffirmed his confidence in the squad to get the team out of the uncomfortable situation in the table – 17th place, in the relegation zone.
"We know the team can get out of this situation. I turned it around, and the players here today have character and will do everything they can to get Flamengo out of this danger zone," the player concluded.
Fla will receive R$800 from Juan's transfer to Italy
A Flamengo youth product, defender Juan was signed this week by Roma in Italy for R$16 million. He had been playing for Bayer Leverkusen in Germany since 2002 and is currently part of the Brazilian national team squad for the Copa América.
The good news for Flamengo is that the Gávea club is entitled to receive 5% of the transfer fee, or approximately R$800, according to FIFA legislation. The Italian team will have 30 days from the date of the player's registration to forward the payment to Flamengo. The player will only be able to be registered starting July 1st, when the European transfer window opens.
Red-black youth
Trained at Gávea, Paulo Sérgio and Kayke want to follow the example of Zico, the club's greatest idol
Leo Schabbach and Thiago Bokel
Paulo Sérgio carries the ball at the club's training center and should be guaranteed a place in the starting lineup for the match on July 4th.
After hearing from Flamengo's former generation that the way out of the hole was to value the youth teams, with the aim of developing stars and not just becoming junior champions, two of the biggest promises for the Rubro-Negro's near future, Kayke and Paulo Sérgio, thanked their idols, Júnior and Zico, for their trust.
"I think it's important to have the support of important people like them, who have meant a lot to the club. We think that's excellent, but despite that, I think there should also be a mix, signing more experienced players," said Kayke, who has scored over 200 goals in Flamengo's youth ranks and made his debut for the team in last Saturday's game against Internacional at the Maracanã.
Another promising prospect, treated like a gem at Gávea, is striker Paulo Sérgio, who has been on the professional roster for just over two months and has been performing consistently, whether in the starting lineup or as a substitute. He believes the fans need to be patient and support the younger players.
"Now they're prioritizing the youth academy, giving more opportunities to those who were trained at Flamengo. Fans need to be patient, because at the beginning of a career, it's normal to not have consistency, to play good matches and some bad ones. The work I've been doing is serious, I know I still have to mature, but I'm learning a lot every day," explained Paulo Sérgio, who is expected to start again in the July 4th game against Atlético at Mineirão.
One of the keys to this new generation's success is their friendship. Both Kayke and Paulo Sérgio, however, made a point of reaffirming that the support they've received from their teammates has been crucial in helping them adapt to the professional team as quickly as possible.
"It's a very good relationship, like friends, we're always in touch. We have a goal when we move up to the professional team. We want to stay at the club for a long time," said Paulo Sérgio. "We've been together for over ten years, our relationship is the best possible," Kayke added.
With the strength of youth, the key to Rubro-Negro getting out of this bad moment already has a name: the base.
Men's and Women's Gymnastics Teams Defined
The Brazilian athletes, for artistic and rhythmic gymnastics and acrobatic trampoline, who will compete in the Pan American Games were announced yesterday, with highlights including Diego Hypólito in the men's and Daiane dos Santos in the women's.
The team will also feature Daniele Hypólito, Laís Souza, Jade Barbosa, and youngsters Khiuani Dias and Ana Claudia Silva. The latter two beat out competition from Juliana dos Santos to join the group. Kihuani is another promising player in the sport for the country.
Diego, one of the favorites for gold in the floor and vault events, will be joined by Adan Santos, Danilo Nogueira, Luis Augusto dos Anjos, Mosiah Rodrigues, and Victor Rosa, the current national all-around champion. Brazil's main rivals will be the United States, Canada, Cuba, Venezuela, and Argentina. Diego, however, has already made it clear that his priority this season will be the World Championships at the end of the year, which will earn him a spot at the Beijing Olympics.
The rhythmic gymnastics delegation, the current two-time Pan American champion, will be formed by Daniela Leite, Luiza Matsuo, Marcela Menezes, Natália Peixinho, Nicole Muller and Tayanne Mantovaneli in the team competition and Ana Paula Scheffer and Angélica Kvieczynski in the individual competition. Finally, the country's representatives in the acrobatic trampoline are Giovana Matheus, Rafael Andrade and Carlos Ramirez.
O Dia
Juan's sale to Roma brings Flamengo R$800
As the club that trained the defender, the Gávea club is entitled to 5% of the negotiation value
Rio - The sale of defender Juan will bring positive results to Flamengo. The player has agreed to transfer from Bayern Leverkusen in Germany to Roma in Italy for approximately R$16 million. Flamengo, the club that trained him, is entitled to receive 5% of the total value of the deal.
Thus, according to FIFA regulations, approximately R$800 will be deposited into the coffers of the Flamengo club. Now, Roma will have 30 days from the date of Juan's registration to allocate the portion corresponding to Flamengo.
Flamengo probes Lenílson, from São Paulo
Rio - In need of a midfielder, Flamengo's board appears to be interested in signing Lenílson, 26, who is currently on the bench at São Paulo. The player is not being utilized by coach Muricy Ramalho and could be the solution for Flamengo's creative department. Ney Franco, the Gávea team's coach, said that Lenílson is a good player, but his name is not on the hiring list.
Fla: Eight days left until Bruno's contract ends
Rio - With eight days remaining on goalkeeper Bruno's contract with Flamengo, the player is expected to remain out of action until his situation with the MSI Group, which owns the player's federation rights, is resolved. The Gávea club made a good offer for his renewal but has not yet received a response.
Sports Gazette
Léo Moura returns to training\ Gazeta Press\
Rio de Janeiro (RJ) - A day after complaining of muscle pain and being spared from training, right-back Leonardo Moura recovered and participated in Flamengo's training session, led by coach Ney Franco on Friday afternoon in Vargem Grande.\ In the movement that ended with the reserves' 1-0 victory, with Souza scoring from a penalty kick, Ney Franco once again saw midfielder Toró among the starters. The player took Paulinho's place.\
The Red-Black team currently sits in the relegation zone with six points. Only Sport, Náutico, and América de Natal have worse records than the Rio de Janeiro team.
Juan's sale could yield R$800 to Flamengo\ Gazeta Press\
Rio de Janeiro (RJ) - While Ney Franco prepares Flamengo to try to rehabilitate itself in the Brazilian Championship, the board awaits with expectation the completion of the sale of defender Juan, from Bayern Leverkusen to Roma.\ The club that revealed the player, the Rio de Janeiro club, is entitled to 5% of the total value of the negotiation, which could bring in around R$800 for Flamengo's coffers. Last Thursday, president Márcio Braga admitted that Flamengo is going through a financial crisis.\
"Flamengo has a debt of R$230 million, and the president's role is to try to reduce this debt. There's a lawsuit pending in court, in which Flamengo is in a state of insolvency. We need to resolve this issue," he commented.
One of the solutions to overcome the crisis is that Flamengo may be forced to sell some of its players this summer. One of the most highly valued players on the roster is midfielder Renato Augusto, but the club is only willing to sell him for €30 million.
Another player who could leave, but without any compensation from Flamengo, is goalkeeper Bruno, whose loan ends at the end of the month. This week, agent Eduardo Uram reiterated that MSI is interested in negotiating the player with European football.
Toró celebrates new chance to establish himself at Flamengo\ Gazeta Press\
Rio de Janeiro (RJ) - When Flamengo was eliminated from the Copa Libertadores last month, midfielder Toró saw his name speculated on a list of players to be released by the Rio de Janeiro club. Signed at the end of 2005, the player had received few opportunities under coach Ney Franco at the time. Since then, however, Toró has not lost heart and earned a starting spot against Internacional on the 16th. His strong performance against the Gauchos has boosted the player's reputation with the coach, who has indicated that he will likely keep Toró in the starting lineup for the match against Atlético-MG on July 4th.
Even with midfielder Paulinho's recovery, coach Ney Franco has preferred to play Toró deeper in the red-and-black midfield. The player doesn't hide his satisfaction at the opportunity to establish himself as a starter.
"Of course, we're not happy to see a player get injured, but I was certainly happy to get this new opportunity. Even when I wasn't playing, I never lost heart and continued doing my job. Now I have to forget the past and focus only on the present. I hope to have a bright future here at Flamengo."
Toró gets the chance to establish himself at a difficult time for Flamengo, as the team finds itself in the relegation zone in the Brazilian Championship. But just as president Márcio Braga stated the day before, the midfielder also believes the Rubro-Negro can turn things around and challenge for the national title.
"The Flamengo president has confidence in the squad, and so do I, and so do the other players. Flamengo has a good group, they were Rio de Janeiro champions this year, and now we have to work hard to bring joy to our president, the fans, and our families," the player said.
Besides Toró, another young player who's been getting opportunities to establish himself on the team is striker Paulo Sérgio. Since Souza will serve the second game of his suspension against Atlético-MG, Paulo will likely pair up with Leonardo.
"I have to seize the opportunities to stay in the team. If I have three chances in a game, I'll score one," said Paulo Sérgio, who says he's not afraid of the pressure given the team's poor form. "The pressure is normal at a big club like Flamengo. But the pressure isn't just from the fans; it's huge from the coaching staff and the entire team. We have to be focused to get the team out of this uncomfortable situation," the forward added.
PeléNet
Flamengo coach shows confidence in the team's recovery
Flamengo coach Ney Franco once again emphasized his confidence in the Flamengo squad this Friday. He said his players have the quality to perform well in the Brazilian Championship, despite currently sitting in 17th place, in the relegation zone.
"Coaches work with what they have available. I insist that we have a good squad for the Brazilian Championship. The moment isn't what we'd like, but with the group we have, we could be in a better situation. I believe we have a strong team, capable of facing any opponent," said Ney Franco.
The manager made it clear that winning the next match, on July 4th against Atlético-MG at Mineirão Stadium, is essential to begin their recovery in the Brazilian Championship. Of the last nine points up for grabs, Flamengo has only earned two.
"We have the squad to be at the front of this competition. For some reasons, we stumbled at the beginning, but it's a long championship and we have all the conditions to recover. We're working towards goals and the next step is to achieve rehabilitation. I hope that against Atlético-MG we can start this surge," said the Flamengo coach.
Ney Franco also expressed concern about losing players during the opening of the European transfer window in August: "I'm not the only one worried. Every coach of a big club, especially in Serie A, has to be prepared to lose a player at any moment. Regarding signings, I prefer to encourage the squad that is here to talk about potential players who may arrive."
Flamengo has only six points in the Brazilian Championship and has won only one game in the competition, in the second round, against Goiás, at Serra Dourada, by 3-1. After that, there were three draws, against Botafogo, Sport and Internacional, and a defeat by a landslide, against Figueirense, by 4-0.
Sequence makes Leonardo believe he can establish himself at Fla
Striker Leonardo, a starter in Flamengo's last three matches, expressed confidence that he can establish himself in the Flamengo's first team. He has been included in the starting lineup in every training session and is expected to play in the July 4th match against Atlético-MG at Mineirão Stadium.
"I was out for a long time due to injuries. I know I didn't perform as well as I could in the last game [2-2 against Internacional], but I have 15 days until the next match, I'm going to regain confidence and show why I'm at Flamengo," said the striker.
In Friday's training session, Flamengo's starting lineup lost 1-0 to the reserves, with striker Souza scoring from a penalty. He will not be able to play against Atlético-MG because he was suspended for his red-and-black sending-off in the 4-0 defeat of Figueirense. This Saturday morning, the team will play a training match against Madureira.
Flamengo sits 17th in the Brazilian Championship, within the relegation zone, with just six points. Of the last nine points contested, they've earned only two. This weekend, the team was scheduled to play Vasco, but the derby was postponed until October 16th due to the closure of the Maracanã Stadium for the Pan American Games.
BalloonSport
Toró: 'My moment has come'
After months of ostracism, the player celebrates his chance in Flamengo's starting lineup.
Ag. O Globo\ Toró celebrates his chance on the Flamengo team\
After a strong performance against Internacional, Toró managed to escape the shadows he'd been in since last year's Copa do Brasil final against Vasco. Coach Ney Franco decided to give the midfielder a chance in place of Paulinho against Atlético-MG on July 4th in the Brasileirão.
"My time has come at Flamengo. I want to help the team escape the relegation zone. I'm happy for the opportunity Neymar is giving me, and I hope to respond," says the 21-year-old.
The coach was full of praise for the player, who is much better suited to the defensive midfield role:
"Toró has the freedom to attack; he has the quality to do so. Without the ball, he helps the right-back. He's doing well in training; he had a chance against Inter and performed well. He seized the opportunity he had."
Toró will also start in this Saturday's training match against Madureira, at Ninho do Urubu.
Dollars chase an upset Renato
The businessman indicates that offers will arrive. The player is divided.
Eduardo Peixoto
Renato at Flamengo training
Renato has been irritable. The constant rumors that he's leaving Flamengo are the main reason for his mood swings. But despite speaking openly about the matter, the possibility of a negotiation is increasingly clear.
The player's agent, Cláudio Guadagno, is in Rio de Janeiro and reached out to Kléber Leite this Friday. He warned that two inquiries from international soccer players have arrived, and both will likely become official offers. For now, Renato is evading the offer.
"I don't want to comment. This is bothering me too much," said the player, as he left the Ninho do Urubu Training Center.
His contract expires in December of this year, and negotiations for a renewal will only continue after the European transfer window closes on August 31. If the offer comes from the Arab world, Renato will think long and hard before accepting it.
He has a one-month-old daughter and isn't attracted to unfamiliar markets. On the other hand, at 29, a good contract would bring peace of mind in the future. Oh, doubt it.
Day of speculation and denials at Fla
While the board is in motion, the starting team loses to the reserves in training at Ninho
Eduardo Peixoto
Lenílson's name has been mentioned in Gávea. But Ney Franco rules him out.
It didn't even feel like there was training at Ninho do Urubu this Friday. While the reserves, led by a very excited Souza, defeated the starters 1-0, Flamengo's board spent the day in meetings and on the phone.
Early this morning, word surfaced that São Paulo midfielder Lenílson had agreed to a deal with Flamengo. Kléber Leite dismissed the information as a ploy from a businessman. However, the information emerged from within Gávea itself. A member of the football department confirmed that negotiations had begun, but no agreement had been reached.
"He wasn't on the agenda. He's a good player, but he's been tied to São Paulo for a long time," says coach Ney Franco.
The club's routine, in fact, is receiving calls from agents. Richarlyson has been offered a contract. Defender Fábio Bilica has been offered a contract. Nothing excites Ney Franco. But there's some news that worries him, especially regarding player departures.
But this Friday, he received a breather. Espanyol signed Argentine left-back Clemente Rodríguez. Therefore, Juan, who was the Spanish side's second choice, is unlikely to receive an offer.
Renato is coveted by two foreign clubs
The same cannot be said for Renato. The player's agent, Cláudio Guadagno, contacted Flamengo's vice president of football, Kléber Leite, and informed him that two official offers for the player should arrive in the coming days.
Bruno: good news until Tuesday
While awaiting roster changes, Ney Franco led another training session. The reserves won 1-0, with Souza scoring from the penalty spot. This Saturday, there will be a training match against Madureira at 9 a.m. at the training center. Although his situation is still undecided, goalkeeper Bruno will start in the starting lineup. He wants to resolve his situation soon.
- I think I'll have good news by Tuesday - he says.
Reinaldo, ex-Fla, signs with Japanese team
Striker signs for a year and a half with Jeff Ichihara. He was in Saudi Arabia.
Santos was Reinaldo's last club in Brazil
One of the names coach Ney Franco recommended to Flamengo's board, striker Reinaldo, signed a contract with Jeff Ichihara of the Japanese First Division. The player has agreed to a one-and-a-half-year contract.
Revealed at Gávea, Reinaldo is 28 years old and has played for São Paulo and Santos. Before joining Jeff, he played for Al-Ittihad in Saudi Arabia. He scored eight goals in 11 appearances.
At Flamengo, Reinaldo participated in the conquest of the Mercosul Cup, in 1999, and in the campaign for the third state championship (1999 to 2001).
Lenílson is being approached, says businessman
Paulo Lehmy affirms that Fla and Inter are interested in the athlete, who is sad about being a reserve.
Diário de S.Paulo
Unhappy with his reserve, Lenílson becomes a topic of conversation this Friday
Lenílson became a topic of conversation at three Brazilian clubs this Friday: in addition to São Paulo, where he currently plays, his name was mentioned at two others: Flamengo and Internacional. This is because the player's agent, Paulo Lehmy, said he had received inquiries from both teams about the striker.
"A businessman linked to Flamengo contacted me and made an inquiry. I passed it on to São Paulo, but the club says they'll only talk if they receive an official offer. Internacional also expressed interest," Lehmy told GLOBOESPORTE.COM by phone.
At Flamengo, the board denies any contact, but Lenílson's name is being mentioned behind the scenes. At Inter, no one has yet commented on the matter. And at São Paulo, the directors say they haven't been contacted by any club. Lehmy says the striker isn't happy with being benched.
"Lenilson just wants to play, and he knows he can do it at São Paulo. He's sad because he wants to show what he's capable of. He could do that at another club. But I have no interest in taking Lennilson away from São Paulo. I just don't understand why he's not a starter," the agent asks.
Coach Muricy Ramalho doesn't want to lose the striker. The Tricolor coach commented on the situation during the Arena SporTV program.
"I don't know anything about that. And I don't want him to leave, because he's part of our squad," the coach adds.
Throw
Toró: 'My time at Flamengo has come'
Ney Franco confirms the player as a starter in the team's next match
Toró took advantage of the opportunity in the game against Inter (Credit: Ricardo Cassiano)
After a strong performance against Internacional, Toró managed to escape the shadows he'd been in since last year's Copa do Brasil final against Vasco. Coach Ney Franco decided to give the midfielder a chance in place of Paulinho against Atlético-MG on July 4th in the Brasileirão.
"My time has come at Flamengo. I want to help the team escape the relegation zone. I'm happy for the opportunity Neymar is giving me, and I hope to respond," said the 21-year-old player.
The coach was full of praise for the player, who is much better suited to the defensive midfield role:
"Toró has the freedom to attack; he has the quality to do so. Without the ball, he helps the right-back. He's doing well in training; he had a chance against Inter and performed well. He seized the opportunity he had."
Toró will also start in this Saturday's training match against Madureira, at Ninho do Urubu.
Supporter Renato is in the sights of Arab football
Fla rejects proposal but will receive representatives from another club
Flamengo is trying to keep Renato, despite the offers (Credit: Gilvan de Souza)
While Flamengo is still trying to renew Renato's contract, which ends at the end of the year, the Rubro-Negro also has to worry about Arab clubs scrutinizing the supporter.
This Friday, Kleber Leite, vice president of football, met with representatives of an Arab club who made an offer for the midfielder. However, the director reiterated that Flamengo will not sell the player and the negotiations have not progressed.
"It was an expression of interest in the player. Many Arab clubs are interested in him," said the director, who will meet with representatives from another club next week.
Flamengo wants to renew Renato's contract and his agent, Cláudio Guadagno, is still analyzing the proposals.
Athirson says he would wear the Fla shirt again
After almost signing with Botafogo, the defender says he is a Flamengo fan at heart.
After failing to reach an agreement with Botafogo, left-back Athirson stated this Friday that he would return to Flamengo without any problems. The player, who was sidelined at Bayern Leverkusen, made a point of praising the club that launched him into football, and also admitted to being a Flamengo fan at heart.
"Everyone knows I'm a Flamengo fan. I don't even have words to describe Flamengo, but if I ever have to wear this shirt again, I definitely would," he told Rádio Oi FM.
However, the full-back also recalled the difficult time he experienced at the Gávea club:
- I held grudges against some people there. It was a time I don't want to remember, a time of delayed salaries.
Leonardo, from Fla, celebrates the stoppage
The player will take advantage of the 15 days out to fully recover.
Striker Leonardo arrived at Flamengo with high morale after a strong season with Paraná Clube, but has so far failed to establish himself in the Flamengo squad. Due to preparations for the Pan American Games, Maracanã will be closed, meaning Flamengo will be out of action until July 4th, when they face Atlético-MG at Mineirão Stadium.
The player is celebrating the break to fully recover from the injury to his left ankle, which, for him, prevented him from playing his best football.
"I'm coming back from an injury and now I only depend on myself. I didn't perform as well as expected, but I'll take advantage of these 15 days to recover. I expect much more from myself; I was missing that little something extra. I want to show why I'm at Flamengo," said the player.
Ney Franco is not afraid of losing players
Flamengo coach says he has already adapted to the reality of Brazilian football
With the opening of the European market, Brazilian clubs are beginning to worry about losing their players midway through the Brazilian Championship. However, Flamengo coach Ney Franco believes this practice has become commonplace and that coaches need to adapt to this reality.
"It's not just me, but I think all coaches, especially those at big clubs, have to be prepared for the risk of losing a player. I think coaches work with what they have," the club's manager told Rádio Globo.
Goalkeeper Bruno, midfielders Renato Augusto and Renato, and full-back Juan are some of the names being considered to leave Gávea.
Ney Franco gives Flamengo's squad a boost
Coach says he has confidence in the squad and rules out talking about reinforcements
Despite Flamengo's uncomfortable 17th place in the Brazilian Championship, coach Ney Franco declined to discuss reinforcements. He preferred to place his trust in the players he has on hand.
"We have a good squad for the Brazilian Championship, but things aren't going as smoothly as we'd like. We could be doing better in the Brazilian Championship. But I'd rather give our players some motivation than those who might come. This team is strong and can face any opponent," the coach assured.
Ney Franco hopes the team's comeback will be right after the break, against Atlético-MG, on July 4th:
"Everyone is committed to restarting the Brasileirão with a win against Galo. The squad has the quality to compete at the top of the table. We're even working to raise awareness so we can climb the standings."