THE GLOBE

Fla offers part of Léo Moura or Juan to Porto to stay with Ibson \ If mission in Portugal is not successful, player will say goodbye on Sunday \ Flamengo already has a strategy in place to convince Porto, from Portugal, to permanently negotiate with Ibson. In addition to seeking a reduction in the €4 million fine, the club will offer a percentage of the player's contract for left-back Juan or right-back Leonardo Moura. \ Vice-president of football Kléber Leite will travel to Portugal today and meet with Porto executives on July 1st and 2nd. Businessman Eduardo Uram, representing Ibson, Leonardo Moura, and Juan, will join the executive in Portugal. In Brazil, the club requested a guaranteed revenue from a sponsor to obtain a letter of credit in Europe. \ "There's no deal without discussion. We have our course of action and we're going to get there," says Kléber Leite. \ To loan Ibson to Flamengo last year, Porto imposed the condition of extending the contract for another two years - until 2011. Now, as coach Jesualdo Ferreira does not want the midfielder for the 2008/2009 season - he has already signed Uruguayan midfielder Cristián Rodriguez for 7 million -, Porto intends to recover the money invested in Ibson. \ Although Flamengo has negotiated the signings of young players Pedro Beda (Desportivo Brasil, a club managed by Traffic) and Michel (Almería, Spain), it will not use the proceeds to acquire Ibson. His loan is valid until the 30th, and without an agreement, he will make his farewell appearance against Sport on Sunday in Recife. \ Coach apologizes and already talks about staying at the club \ After arguing with supervisor Isaías Tinoco, who broke the peace at Gávea on Friday, fitness coach Ronaldo Torres apologized for his outburst and stated that he wants to stay. With his daughter pregnant and the club's stability, Torres had already given up on going to South Africa, where coach Joel Santana doesn't enjoy the same security. He was only thinking about how to tell his friend, with whom he's worked since 1997. \ "I'm sure this will be resolved. Isaías came into the locker room, asking what was going on in a harsh tone. I ended up overstepping my bounds, and I apologize, but I don't even know why the argument started. I was in a moment of decision, deciding whether to stay or go to Africa. I'm not hurt," Torres said. \ Vice-president of football Kleber Leite's plan was to make him a permanent member of the coaching staff. Now, according to the director, Isaías Tinoco will be the one to decide who will be the coach. \ "He's the head of the coaching staff, so he's the one who decides that. They'll meet, talk, and let me know." \

SPORTS JOURNAL

Caio Junior: 'A draw against Sport would be good'

Despite currently leading the Brazilian Championship, coach Caio Junior is concerned about the Rubro-Negro's next opponent on Sunday. Flamengo travels to Recife to face Sport at Ilha do Retiro. The coach points to the Pernambuco team's last game, when they conceded only one goal to São Paulo in the final minutes, to highlight the team's quality. \ "They played against São Paulo, who only won with a late goal. Sport is a well-organized team, and the fans are excited. The stadium will be packed," he said. \ Thus, Caio Jr. does not deny that returning to Rio with a draw would be a good result for Fla, but guarantees that the team will play thinking about achieving victory. \ “Getting a draw there could be good, but our focus will be on getting the win,” he concluded. \

Ibson anxious for definition of the future

With seven days remaining before his loan spell with Flamengo ends, Ibson is experiencing what could be his final days in his second stint at Gávea. The player, who has endured difficult times this season and led the team to last year's Brazilian Championship run, has shone again in the last two games, scoring three goals. \ The midfielder expressed his eagerness to determine his future and is awaiting contact from director Kleber Leite to determine whether he will stay or return to Porto, Portugal. The European club is demanding R$10 million for Ibson's federation rights. \ "With each passing day, the anxiety grows. Thank God the goals are coming, and I still have one more game on the 29th. I hope things can be resolved in the best possible way between Flamengo and Porto," Ibson said in an interview with Rádio Globo. \ Ibson's farewell to the club will be against Sport, next Sunday, at Ilha do Retiro.\

Léo Moura stands out in Mengão's victory

Long a mainstay of Flamengo's squad, Leonardo Moura once again demonstrated in yesterday's match why he's so important to the red-and-black team, helping them maintain first place in the Brazilian Championship. A skilled and technical player, he was crucial in Flamengo's 3-1 victory despite being hampered by the poor conditions of the Ipatingão pitch. \ For the first goal, the player hit a fine right-footed shot into the corner of goalkeeper Fred's net, which rebounded into Juan's feet, giving him the lead in a match that had been tight and very difficult until that point. Léo then once again demonstrated his skill and vision when he burst through the middle and passed the ball to Íbson to finish. \ In great form, Leonardo Moura continues to be decisive for Flamengo and asking for a chance in Dunga's national team. \ "I'm continuing to work hard to earn another opportunity with the national team," the player said last week. While the national team coach hasn't called him up, the red-and-black fans are grateful. \

THE DAY

Ibson close to saying goodbye to Fla

Rio - Ibson's farewell, which once seemed far away, is very close. Next Monday, his loan contract with Flamengo ends, and the player's stay at Gávea is very difficult. On the same day his contract with the club ends, the club's vice president of football, Kléber Leite, will travel to Portugal with the player's agent, Eduardo Uram, for a meeting with the directors of Porto, the player's current number 7.

The possibility of the loan being renewed is almost non-existent, as the Portuguese club intends to sell the player and has offers from other clubs in Europe.

Ibson, in turn, has stated numerous times that he would like to stay at Gávea, but that he can't do anything and that everything depends on the conversation between the club's boards.

Fitness trainer apologizes to Isaias Tinoco \ Rio - After a heated argument last week, fitness coach Ronaldo Torres apologized for the disagreement with football manager Isaías Tinoco and admitted to staying at Gávea, instead of joining Joel Santana on the South African national team.\ "I ended up overreacting, and I apologize. I yelled because I was in a moment of decision. I didn't know whether to stay at Flamengo or go to Africa," said Ronaldo Torres in an interview with Rádio Brasil.\ Still not knowing his future, he added: \ “I want to stay at Flamengo, but I still don't know what will happen.” \

Marcio Braga will meet with Pope Benedict XVI

Rio - President Márcio Braga spoke yesterday with Ariedo Braida, general director of Milan, about cooperation between the clubs. \ The leader will also meet with Pope Benedict XVI at the Vatican to present him with a red and black shirt. \

Young red-black promise goes to Spain

Rio - Almería, from Spain, has signed Brazilian right-back Michel from Flamengo's youth academy, the Spanish club announced today.

Michel Macedo Rocha Machado, 18 years old, represented the Brazilian national team at the Pan American Games in Rio de Janeiro in 2007, and played for the Gávea team's juniors, having not yet made his professional debut at the Rio club.

The player was born on February 15, 1990, is 1,76 m tall, weighs 72 kilos and started in the lower categories of Botafogo before defending the youth teams of Flamengo.

The signing is part of the Spanish club's plans to develop young players. At Almeria, Michel will play alongside another former Flamengo player, midfielder Felipe Melo, as well as fellow Brazilians Diego Alves, Guilherme, and Iriney.

The player is expected to do pre-season training with the squad, but it is not yet known whether he will play for Almería or be loaned to another club to gain experience.

SPORTS GAZETTE

Flamengo and Nike: the fight continues\ Gazeta Press\

Rio de Janeiro (RJ) - Flamengo could face legal trouble in the coming days. This is because the club failed to comply with an injunction requiring the team to display the Nike logo at the match against Ipatinga.

As he had been doing in recent games, since he announced that he was unilaterally terminating his contract, the Flamengo entered the field with three question marks in place of the Nike logo.

Flamengo's legal department guarantees that it does not fear punishment for the club, as it said it was not notified by court of the injunction obtained by Nike.

Juniors: This Monday, Flamengo's board announced that the junior team will no longer compete in the Porto Seguro Cup, competition which will be held in Bahia. This is because the club faced problems when receiving tickets for its squad.

Praised, Renato Augusto should start against Sport\ Gazeta Press\

Rio de Janeiro (RJ) - After suffering a series of injuries and having to sit on the bench for some matches, midfielder Renato Augusto is close to returning to the starting lineup for Flamengo. Praised by coach Caio Júnior for his performance in the second half of the match against Ipatinga-MG last weekend, Renato is expected to be confirmed as a starter against Sport, next Sunday, in Recife.

"The team improved significantly in the second half with the introduction of Renato Augusto. He brought a lot of quality to our midfield, and I always say we need quality in our midfield," commented the coach.

For Renato Augusto to start, Caio Júnior has two options and will have the week to decide which is best against the Pernambuco team. With striker Souza suspended, the coach could simply opt for Renato, with Marcinho moving up front.

In this case, the Flamengo would be left without a key striker. The most likely scenario is that Renato Augusto will replace Diego Tardelli, with Obina being chosen to replace Souza and form a frontcourt with Marcinho.

During the week, Caio Júnior will also monitor the recovery of midfielder Toró, who was unable to play against Ipatinga-MG due to a muscle problem. If he is cleared, player should return in place of Jaílton.

The Flamengo delegation returned from Ipatinga, Minas Gerais, on Sunday night and had Monday off. They are scheduled to return this Tuesday, when the group will work full-time in Gávea.

Caio Júnior praises substitution and away win

Ipatinga (MG) - Satisfied with the victory by 3-1 over Ipatinga, which took Flamengo back to the top of the Brazilian Championship, coach Caio Júnior considered that the entry of midfielder Renato Augusto in place of Diego Tardelli at half-time, when the game was still tied without goals, it changed the history of the confrontation.

"In the first half, we were practically left with three forwards because of the positioning of Marcinho, Tardelli, and Souza. That's why I think we made the right decision by bringing on Renato at halftime. The team improved significantly with Ibson playing as a midfielder. The game became more open, and we had more options," the coach analyzed.

Besides appreciating the change, the coach celebrated the fact that Flamengo remains undefeated away from home in the Brasileirão. Before beating Ipatinga, Flamengo drew 0-0 with Grêmio in the second round. "I set the group the challenge of winning away from home, and we got a great result against Ipatinga. But we have to win other away games if we really want to fight for the title," Caio Júnior praised.

The manager, however, wasn't all praise for the team. He felt the defense faltered at times, allowing Ipatinga to create a dangerous opportunity. "The field is very large, and at times the defense was exposed. We have to improve on that and learn lessons from this match," Caio concluded.

PELENET

Ibson's stay could be decided by the end of the week

From UOL Esporte\ In Rio de Janeiro\

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A decisive week has arrived for Ibson at Flamengo. In fact, it may be his last at Gávea. On Thursday or Friday, Flamengo's vice president of football, Kleber Leite, will travel to Portugal to negotiate with Porto-POR officials to renew the midfielder's loan, which expires on the 30th. After a rocky start to the year, Ibson has returned to his role as one of the team's leaders and has been making a difference. In the last two matches (a 4-2 loss to São Paulo and a 3-1 win over Ipatinga), he has scored three goals. \ Excited by the "maestro's" form, coach Caio Júnior has demanded that the club's board keep him. Therefore, Kleber will do everything possible to convince the Portuguese club, who seem more inclined to negotiate the player with the European market.\ Even under pressure from fans, Ibson always made it clear that he intended to stay at Flamengo for at least another year. His dream is to win the Brazilian Championship, a competition led by the Gávea club. \

Ronaldo Torres apologizes to Isaias and says: "I want to stay at Fla"

From UOL Esporte\ In Rio de Janeiro\

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Ronaldo Torres remains unclear about his true status at Flamengo. After a discussion with club superintendent Isaias Tinoco last Friday, the fitness coach was sidelined and didn't even travel to Ipatinga, where the team beat the home team 3-1 this Sunday. \ The professional, in fact, stated that he didn't know the reason for his fight with the manager and even publicly apologized. Ronaldo also emphasized that his intention is still to remain at Gávea and not accept the invitation from his teammate and friend Joel Santana, coach of the South African national team.\ "It was just a bad moment, but I'm sure it will be resolved soon. What happened was that Isaias came into the locker room asking what was going on. And he did it very harshly. I ended up overreacting, and I apologize for that, but I don't know why the argument started. He didn't explain why he spoke to me that way," the coach revealed. \ "I want to make it clear that I'm not hurt. People said there was a physical attack, and that's a lie. That would never happen. What happened was an argument. I ended up yelling too, especially because I was going through a difficult time, having to decide whether to stay at Flamengo or go to Africa," he said in an interview with Rádio Brasil. \ Ronaldo also emphasized that his decision had already been made. After a conversation with Flamengo's vice president of football, Kleber Leite, last week, the professional player decided to remain at Gávea. However, the situation has now changed. \ "I had already decided on that. I was even thinking about how I would talk to Joel. But now I don't know anymore, it doesn't just depend on me. But I want to stay. My daughter is pregnant and, besides, I really like it here. I'm fine and happy at the club," the coach highlighted. \

Goalkeeper Bruno says Fla is one of the favorites for the title

From UOL Esporte\ In Rio de Janeiro\

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The excitement among Flamengo fans, with their current lead in the Brazilian Championship, seems to have reached goalkeeper Bruno. Highly excited by the Flamengo team's 3-1 victory over Ipatinga last Sunday in the seventh round of the competition, the goalkeeper named his club as one of the title contenders. \ "I believe we are favorites for the title alongside Internacional, São Paulo, Cruzeiro and Atlético-MG. But our team needs to keep working to stay at the top of this championship," said the number 1.\ With 16 points, Flamengo is in first place in the National Championship, surpassing Grêmio (second) in goals scored and Cruzeiro (third) in goal difference. Flamengo's next match will be against Sport on Sunday at 16 pm at Ilha do Retiro. Their direct opponents play on the same day.\ The Gauchos will play the derby against Internacional at 18:10 PM at the Olympic Stadium. The Minas Gerais team will host São Paulo at 16 PM at the Mineirão Stadium. \

Contract between Flamengo and Olympikus may suffer 'delay'

Thales Callippus\ In Sao Paulo\

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Flamengo and Olympikus's plans for the launch of new uniforms at the end of July may be subject to change. After Nike won a preliminary injunction to remain tied to the Rio de Janeiro club, the club must remove the "question marks" it adopted and reinstate the multinational's logo on all its products and advertising. However, if Flamengo does not achieve a definitive victory in court against Nike, this change may be maintained until the end of the contract between both parties, in June 2009. In this way, the agreement with Olympikus would only come into effect on that date.\ "Regardless of what happens, we will fulfill the agreement with Olympikus. We hope it will be as it is [starting this month], but if, hypothetically, Flamengo doesn't reverse this situation, it will fulfill an amended contract, starting later. The important thing is that the company is aware of this situation," said Adalberto Ribeiro, Flamengo's vice president of legal affairs.\ "We should be subpoenaed this Monday and we will appeal in the next few hours. Until we can reverse this decision, we will comply with the order. We are studying some issues and hope that the new trial will be quick," Ribeiro added.\ If the club fails to comply with the court order, it will be forced to pay a daily fine, the amount of which has not been disclosed. \ In addition to returning to using shirts manufactured by Nike in the next official game, which will be on Sunday against Sport, Flamengo would also have to remove any advertising related to Olympikus and replace them with those of the North American multinational, as explained by the multinational's spokesperson.\ "The court ruling requires Flamengo to fully comply with the contract, which goes beyond simply using the original uniform. It includes all the visual communication, field signs, a website, and everything must be in accordance with the contract," added David Grimberg, Nike's communications manager. \

GLOBOESPORTE

Ronaldo Torres apologizes to Isaías Tinoco and says he wants to stay

Flamengo's fitness coach says he had already decided not to accept the invitation from South Africa, but the confusion left him unsure where he will work.

GLOBOESPORTE.COM In Rio de Janeiro

The argument between Ronaldo Torres and Isaías Tinoco took place near the entrance to the locker room

Last Friday, the peaceful atmosphere in Gávea was broken by the discussion between physical trainer Ronaldo Torres and football manager Isaías Tinoco. In the match against Ipatinga on Sunday, Torres went with the team to Minas Gerais. On Monday, however, he apologized and stated that he does not rule out staying in FlamengoHis departure to South Africa, led by coach Joel Santana, was considered certain. \ "It was just a bad moment, but I'm sure it will be resolved. Isaías came into the locker room asking what was going on, and he did it very harshly. I ended up overreacting, and I apologize for that, but I don't know why the argument started. I want to make it clear that I'm not hurt. People said there was a physical attack, and that's a lie. That would never happen; what happened was an argument. I ended up yelling too, especially because I was going through a difficult time, a time of decision. I didn't know whether to stay at Flamengo or go to Africa," he said in an interview with Rádio Brasil. \ Ronaldo Torres said that after talking with Kléber Leite, he had decided to stay at Flamengo, but the incident with Isaías leaves him uncertain about his future. He assures that he is happy and wants to continue working at Gávea. \ "It was already decided, I was even thinking about how I would talk to Joel. But now I don't know anymore, it's not just up to me. But I want to stay. My daughter is pregnant, and besides, I really like it here. I'm happy at the club," he says.\

Marcio Braga meets Ariedo Braida, general director of Milan

Flamengo's president spoke with the Italian leader about the possibility of cooperation between the two clubs

GLOBOESPORTE.COM In Rio de Janeiro

Flamengo president Marcio Braga had lunch with Ariedo Braida, Milan's general director, and discussed the possibility of cooperation between the two clubs. After the meeting, the Flamengo director toured the facilities at the Centro Sportivo Milanello. He still has a busy schedule in Europe, which includes a meeting with Pope Benedict XVI at the Vatican to present him with a red-and-black jersey. Marcio Braga also has a meeting with FIFA president Joseph Blatter.

Toró has a chance to return in the match against Sport, on Sunday

With muscle pain in his left thigh, the midfielder was left out of the match against Ipatinga, in the last round; Jaílton was the substitute

From news agencies in Rio de Janeiro

Absent against Ipatinga, Toró remains the league leader in terms of ball steals

With a small injury to the posterior muscle of his left thigh, Toró was the only player missing from the Flamengo in the victory against Ipatinga 3-1, Sunday, in Minas Gerais. The player remained in Rio de Janeiro undergoing treatment and there is a good chance he will return to the team next Sunday, against Sports, on Retiro Island. \ Toró was replaced by Jaílton, who won the battle with Jônatas. The latter was ruled out by coach Caio Júnior after failing his fitness assessment last week. Toró was injured in the 4-2 loss to São Paulo in the fifth round of the Brazilian Championship. He leads the competition in steals: 29 in six games.\

Fla is not considering negotiating revelations to try to keep Ibson

The director says that the club is in a position to ensure the midfielder's permanence without breaking its promises.

Fred Huber From GLOBOESPORTE.COM, in Rio de Janeiro

Ibson scored one of the goals in Flamengo's 3-1 victory over Ipatinga on Sunday

O Almería, Spain, announced on its official website this Monday the agreement with 18-year-old right-back Michel, Flamengo's revelationAccording to Eduardo Manhães, Flamengo's director of football, it is not part of the club's strategy to sell promising players to try to financially secure the stay of Ibson, whose contract with Flamengo ends on the 30th. According to the director, Flamengo can afford to pay what Porto, the owner of the federation rights, is asking (approximately R$10 million). The transfer fee for Michel to the Spanish club would have yielded approximately R$1,8 million for the club. \ "The potential sale of youth players has nothing to do with Ibson. Flamengo is in a position to secure his continued presence regardless," he states. \ Flamengo's board has already used the strategy of selling part of the federation rights of players who emerged at the club, such as Renato Augusto, to retain others, such as Souza and Bruno. \ - Flamengo bought part of the rights to Juan, Bruno, Leo Moura, Kleberson, Souza... - says Manhães. \ Fla's vice-president of football, Kléber Leite, leaves for Portugal at the end of this week accompanied by Ibson's manager, Eduardo Uram. The meeting with Porto's directors will initially take place on the 30th.\

Juniors: Fla gives up tournament

Organization would not have sent the tickets back to Rio de Janeiro

From news agencies in Rio de Janeiro

The junior team of Flamengo has withdrawn from participating in the Porto Seguro Cup, which begins this Monday and runs until the 29th. The withdrawal was announced in an official statement sent by the club's press office. The document explained that the event organizers failed to send the delegation return air tickets to Rio de Janeiro within the deadline set by the club's board. \ The document was signed by Moysés Saubel, Flamengo's youth football director, and Rivelino Serpa, the club's youth football technical coordinator. \ The competition would have eight participants. Even without Flamengo, Vitória, Santos, Bahia, Palmeiras, Villarreal (ESP), Ibiza (ESP), and Mallorca (ESP) will compete in the tournament.\

Feeling at peace with life, Fellype Gabriel awaits the definition of his future.

The player enjoys his family and prepares to return to the Brazilian field, preferably at his favorite club, Flamengo.

Thiago Fernandes From GLOBOESPORTE.COM, in Rio de Janeiro

var midiaEmbed = { theme: "darkgray", image: '/GMC/foto/0,,14925901-EX,00.jpg' , band: 'TIPO_TXT' , backgroundColor : "FFFFFF", fontColor : "000000", linkColor : "FF00FF", borderColor : "00FF00", autoStart: false, midiaId: 844337 }; var embed = new GMCEmbed(midiaEmbed); embed.print(); In 2005, Fellype Gabriel emerged as a great revelation of Flamengo, however, a knee injury interrupted his streak of games for the club. After returning to the field, the player was loaned to Cruzeiro and, later, to Nacional da Madeira (Portugal), where he played in the Portuguese Championship 2007/2008. \ With a contract with Flamengo until July 2009, Fellype has already returned to Brazil. Besides strengthening his muscles at Gávea, the player is enjoying his one-year-old son, Yan, and his wife, Carina, who is eight months pregnant with Yasmin (watch the video below). \ "Coming home, seeing my son, being able to play with him, being with my wife, I'm so happy. The longing I felt outside for them has now doubled in joy. All that's missing is Flamengo's final decision to complete my happiness."\

It was a game we played. Everyone was called by their mother's name. Even on the buses, people would shout, "Play Shirley!" - Fellype Gabriel

The definition Fellype refers to is about whether or not he will remain at Rubro-Negro. Recently, Coach Caio Júnior said he is not considering reincorporating the midfielder into the squad. However, the player is still waiting for a position from the club's board and hopes that the response will be different from the coach's opinion. \ "My idea is to stay, but it's not up to me. I need to know what the club wants. The fans have always liked me, and I've always tried to reciprocate that affection. I was only booed once on the field. I'm passionate about this fan base. I've been with Flamengo for 12 years; more than half my life has been spent at the club." \

In Portugal, another injury and good performances

A painting that was sold in Portugal with photos of Fellype playing for Nacional da Madeira

Although he's already taking care of his physical condition, Fellype is still officially on vacation. However, the player is trying to make up for the three months lost due to an injury to his other knee while in Portugal. \ - Physically I'm fine, but since I had surgery there, I neglected the physical part a bit, so I decided to come back from vacation a little earlier. \ The player considers that his participation in the Portuguese Championship was very beneficial. \ - I did very well out there, I matured a lot. It was a very good year, despite the surgery. \

Fellype has proposals from Brazil

Fellype's performances in his homeland were so good that he earned offers to stay in the country. Marítimo, Nacional's biggest rival, has already expressed interest in the player. Sporting, one of Portugal's big three, has also made inquiries (during an interview with GLOBOESPORTE.COM, Fellype received a call from the Portuguese newspaper Record, wanting to know about his situation with Flamengo). \ However, the player's destination is likely to be a club in Brazil. Without commenting on the matter, Fellype let slip that he has an offer from a club in the country. However, the player intends to return to the club he considers his second home.\

At the base, Fellype was "Shirley"

var midiaEmbed = { theme: "darkgray", image: '/GMC/foto/0,,14919949-EX,00.jpg' , band: 'TIPO_TXT' , backgroundColor : "FFFFFF", fontColor : "000000", linkColor : "FF00FF", borderColor : "00FF00", autoStart: false, midiaId: 843895 }; var embed = new GMCEmbed(midiaEmbed); embed.print(); During the interview, Fellype spoke several times about his past at Flamengo. He even had to explain his somewhat strange nickname from his youth career: Shirley (Fellype talks about Flamengo, his physical condition, and his time in Portugal. Watch the video below).

- It was a game we played. Everyone was called by their mother's name. Even on the bus, people would shout, "Play Shirley."

The real Shirley lives a little far from Fellype, but she never stops following the player. In fact, family is Fellype's greatest strength. A doting father, the midfielder has already bought his son a Flamengo jersey. In fact, the boy is already showing an interest in football.

- He's always playing soccer here in the condo with other kids. Every now and then, he stops in front of the TV when a game is on.

At just 23 years old, the player already has a son and is expecting another in the coming months. Could his family grow even more?

"I don't think so. I had one knee operated on and had a son, I had the other knee operated on and will have a second son. I don't have any more knees to operate on," jokes Fellype, explaining that he wanted to have children with a small age gap between them.

Fellype Gabriel enjoys his wife and son Yan, just over a year old, before returning to play

THROW

Flamengo may have changes against Sport

Renato Augusto and Obina could get a chance on the team

Renato Augusto has been receiving praise from Caio Júnior

LANCEPRESS!

After the 3-1 victory over Ipatinga, Caio Júnior didn't rule out making changes to Flamengo's lineup for the next match against Sport, on Sunday at Ilha do Retiro. Souza, suspended with three yellow cards, is certain to be absent. Another possible change is the inclusion of Renato Augusto.

Flamengo's number 10 was highly praised alongside Caio Júnior, and the coach hasn't ruled out his inclusion. If that happens, Diego Tardelli could be benched, and Marcinho would play alongside Obina, who is expected to replace Souza in attack.

"It's possible that Renato Augusto will start. He's been working full time this first week since his injury. He's shown a lot of enthusiasm in training," Caio Júnior praised.

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Obina hopes to start against Sport

Striker could replace Souza, who is suspended with three yellow cards

LANCEPRESS!

With Souza suspended and receiving his third yellow card, Obina is hoping to return to the starting lineup against Sport, next Sunday, at Ilha do Retiro. The striker has been coming on during matches and receiving praise from coach Caio Júnior. That's why the favorite of the red-and-black fans doesn't want to miss this opportunity.

"With Souza's opening, I hope I get in. I hope Caio Júnior picks me. I'll try to start and score goals. My commitment in training this week will increase even more. I'll try to do everything right because, if I get the opportunity, I want to grab it and stay with the team," he stated.

Bahia native Obina could return to the starting lineup for Flamengo in a match in the Northeast. And the striker is excited about the prospect:

- It's good for me to play there, because I'm from the Northeast and I like it there.

Lead in the seventh round could be dangerous

In the points-based era, the leader didn't even reach the Libertadores after seven games. Fla tries to break the record.

Íbson celebrates his goal in the victory over Ipatinga (Credit: Wolmer Ezequiel)

Caio Areosa RIO DE JANEIRO

Flamengo is going through a period that's causing euphoria among its fans. Leading the Brazilian Championship, with the best attack in the competition, and coming off an away win over Ipatinga. But it doesn't hurt to be cautious, even with a strong start. The record in the points-based era indicates that the team that finished first in the seventh round won't even qualify for the Libertadores.

In 2003, Cruzeiro, the champion with 18 points, was in second place in the seventh round. Internacional was the leader with XNUMX points and finished sixth. The Minas Gerais team, then coached by Vanderlei Luxemburgo, reached first place in the tenth round.

Luxa became a two-time champion in 2004, this time with Santos, where he only took first place after the 15th game. In the seventh round, the leader was São Caetano, who finished 18th and had 14 points. It's worth noting that the Azulão lost 24 points after being accused of negligence in the case of defender Serginho, who died on the field after a heart attack.

Corinthians celebrated its fourth Brasileirão title in 2005. However, in the seventh round, it was still in seventh place and would only take the lead after 17 matches. In the current round, the leader was Botafogo, with 15 points. The Glorioso from Rio finished ninth.

The years 2006 and 2007 were São Paulo's, winning two consecutive titles and becoming their second five-time Brazilian champion. Interestingly, in both campaigns, the Tricolor was fourth in the seventh round, a position currently occupied by Náutico. In the first round, São Paulo took the lead in the 12th round; in the second, in the 17th. Cruzeiro led after seven games with 16 points, the same score as Flamengo, but with a better goal difference. The Minas Gerais team finished 10th.

In 2007, the leader in the seventh round ended the Brasileirão in tragic fashion. Corinthians was the one who topped the table with 15 points. In the end, they were relegated in 17th place.

Flamengo must break the mold and lead the Brasileirão from start to finish to win the sixth title.

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Caio Júnior worried about Sport

Coach does not rule out a draw as a good result at Ilha do Retiro

LANCEPRESS!

No sooner had Caio Júnior celebrated his 3-1 victory over Ipatinga than he began preparing for next Sunday's match against Sport at Ilha do Retiro. The coach is concerned about the opponent's strength playing in his home stadium.

"They played against São Paulo, who only won with a late goal. Sport is a well-organized team, and the fans are excited. The stadium will be packed," he said.

Caio Júnior noted that Sport won this year's Copa do Brasil, beating opponents like Internacional, Palmeiras, and Vasco to the final at Ilha do Retiro. Because of this, he didn't rule out the possibility of a draw being a good result:

- Getting a draw there could be good, but our focus will be on getting the win.

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Dininho is ready to debut for Fla

Defender, who came from Palmeiras, says he is physically prepared

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Defender Dininho can't wait to make his Flamengo debut. Signed from Palmeiras to replace defender Rodrigo, who ultimately didn't please the board, the player says he's undergoing intensive preparation to perhaps earn his first opportunity with the red-and-black club from Gávea.

"Playing for Flamengo is something I've always wanted. I'm doing well, I've had a good time working and re-adapting physically. Caio (Junior) always says that a player needs to be in good shape because opportunities will always arise."

However, if the defender wants to be coach Caio Junior's starter, he will have to work hard, as starters Rodrigo Angelim and Fabio Luciano have the manager's trust.

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Juniors: Flamengo withdraws from the Porto Seguro Cup

Club will not participate in tournament because organization did not meet the deadline established by the board

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Flamengo's youth team has withdrawn from the Porto Seguro Cup, which was scheduled to begin this Monday and run until the 29th. The withdrawal was announced in an official statement from the club's press office. The statement explained that the event organizers failed to send the delegation return air tickets to Rio de Janeiro within the deadline set by Flamengo's board. Therefore, the Gávea club will not compete in the competition.

The document was signed by Moysés Saubel, Flamengo's youth football director, and Rivelino Serpa, the club's youth football technical coordinator.

The competition would have eight participants. Even without Flamengo, Vitória, Santos, Bahia, Palmeiras, Villarreal (ESP), Ibiza (ESP), and Mallorca (ESP) will compete in the Porto Seguro Cup.