The Globe
Kleber claims that Fla is negotiating with Ronaldo
Vice-president of football assures: 'It's not a marketing ploy'
RONALDO: The striker is negotiating his transfer with Flamengo and could swap the red-black team from Milan for the one from Gávea in 2008
Márcio Tavares
A mandatory signing at Flamengo in recent years, this time fueling the red-and-black news, the possibility of Ronaldo being signed by the team seems real. Kleber Leite, Flamengo's vice president of football, spoke twice with former player Leonardo, a director at Milan, who, according to the Flamengo vice president, suggested the possibility of releasing the striker, provided it was a good deal for both parties. And, in his first contact with Ronaldo, Kleber was left with the impression that the transfer was feasible.
"It's not a marketing ploy; I don't want to create false expectations. This is a negotiation I've been conducting for three days without sensationalism. I had two conversations with Leonardo and one with Ronaldo. They were conceptual conversations. We didn't discuss salaries or transfer fees. We've just started negotiating, and the project we're working on for his arrival was considered a good one by all parties," Kleber Leite explained yesterday.
The salary issue, however, is crucial for reaching an agreement regarding the transfer. The director once again stated that Flamengo cannot compete in the European market, especially against a club the size of Milan. He also reiterated that, for Ronaldo to come to Flamengo, he would need to give up his salary and other perks at Milan to adapt to the financial realities of Brazilian football and the club.
Leonardo doesn't believe in a transfer for the star now
But, as after the 94 World Cup Kleber brought Romário from Barcelona to Flamengo, exactly at the time he was elected the best in the world, the director does not consider it impossible to sign Ronaldo.
"His contract with Milan ends in June 2008. I sensed Ronaldo's interest in reviving his life, in a complete refresher course, and in reviving his career. It could be now or later. It's a matter of sensitivity on our side and imagination on our side. I spoke with president Márcio Braga, who gave me carte blanche, and with Joel Santana, who was thrilled with the possibility. We have some ideas, and regarding the salary issue, we have to create situations to adjust the difference that exists between the markets," said Kleber Leite.
The director has already consulted José Luiz Runco, head of the club's medical department, who recently examined the Phenomenon regarding pain in the calf of his left leg. Runco assured that, from an orthopedic standpoint, nothing prevents the 31-year-old player from continuing to play normally. The possibility of Ronaldo, twice named the best player in the world by FIFA, leaving Milan for Flamengo is strengthened by his situation at the Italian club. Signed in January, he has barely played. He has been plagued by injuries and is currently at the back of the line.
Leonardo confirmed to Rádio Globo the conversation with Kleber Leite, but said he doesn't believe the striker will be transferred now. Flamengo will present Paraguayan midfielder Gavilán this afternoon.
Ancelmo Gois Column
How mean!
From writer and colleague Ruy Castro, a red-black and purple fan, when criticizing rival Vasco this Christmas:
- Vasco da Gama, the discoverer of the route to India, died on December 24, 1524. And he died... vice. Because of his feat, he had been named viceroy of India...
Sports Journal
Gavilán will be presented today in Gávea
After presenting midfielder Marcinho and defender Rodrigo, Flamengo's board scheduled the arrival of Paraguayan defensive midfielder Diego Gavilán, who was at Grêmio, for today at 17 pm, at the Rogério Steinberg Auditorium, in Gávea.
The player, who got married on Saturday, had asked the board for time off to enjoy his honeymoon. However, it appears he changed his mind and arrived in Rio last night. Now, expectations are on the presentation date of defensive midfielder Jônatas, announced last Friday as a new addition to the club. The player's arrival, in fact, could be a bad omen for Gavilán. This is because coach Joel Santana considers Kleberson and Ibson untouchable in midfield, and Renato Augusto only wants to play in that position. This would leave only one spot for the two new signings to compete for. And since Jônatas was already coached by the coach in 2005, he ends up starting ahead of the Paraguayan.
Birthday Boy - Coach Joel Santana celebrated his 59th birthday yesterday. Satisfied with Flamengo's excellent season, he now only thinks about winning titles in 2008:
"The work was successful and needs to be maintained, but we had to strengthen ourselves. I'm very happy to celebrate this anniversary, as it's not every year that we have so many victories in our career. I wish all Flamengo fans a Merry Christmas too," said the coach.
Ronaldo is close to Gávea
Underutilized at Milan, the striker is Flamengo's dream for the Libertadores
Thiago Bokel
Ronaldo, who has not played for Milan, could swap the Italian Red-Black for the Rio de Janeiro club in 2008
One day after Christmas, Flamengo fans could receive their biggest gift of 2008. Striker Ronaldo is definitely in the plans for the Copa Libertadores. The biggest obstacle to his arrival has already been overcome. Yesterday, Milan, which holds the player's federation rights, authorized Flamengo to negotiate with Ronaldo.
Despite the enthusiasm, former Flamengo player and current Milan director Leonardo didn't confirm the release. Vice President of Football Kleber Leite refuted the report and confirmed the negotiation:
"Milan has authorized us to talk to him, but what we've had so far are preliminary discussions, where the player has expressed his desire to come. Our interest is mutual and we will try to reach an agreement," he added.
The agreement the director refers to is based on the striker's high salary. Ronaldo currently earns approximately R$750 at the Italian club. To wear the red-and-black jersey, he would accept a 50% reduction (R$375). Even so, the amount is more than double what midfielder Kleberson, the highest-paid player on the squad, receives. The director is still trying to convince the player to adapt to the realities of Brazilian football.
His manager, Fabiano Farah, reportedly met with Kleber Leite last Saturday (22nd) and was in favor of the deal.
"What Ronaldo wants most is to play, something that hasn't been happening at Milan. I know Flamengo is interested and I'm open to receiving offers from any club for him," Farah said.
Doctor José Luiz Runco, who has been treating Ronaldo since the beginning of his career, has also confirmed that the player is fully fit to return to playing.
With the Milan club having other forwards in the squad, Ronaldo is out of space. A self-proclaimed Flamengo player, the goalscorer is close to becoming Flamengo's newest signing for the Libertadores.
Flamengo prepares for the National Championship
Three-time State champions, Flamengo's revamped basketball team has its sights set on the National League, which kicks off on January 6th. With Marcelinho as one of his key players, coach Paulo Chupeta hopes the team will perform better than last year, when they finished seventh. To that end, training will resume on the second day of the year.
"We're coming off a long marathon of games. We've given our players a break until the 02nd, when we'll return to training in the morning. I hope that during this time we can recover the injured players and enter the League with full strength."
The coach of the red-black team also spoke about the first opponents in the tournament, Lajeado and Joinville.
"For me, it's a question mark; I don't know them well. I know these are teams that rely on the strength of their fans and the support of the city government. We won't have an easy time in these first few games."
Another issue commented on by Paulo Sampaio was the possibility of reinforcements during the competition.
"To begin with, the group that competed in the state championship is the same one that will compete in the league. Only on the 27th will I meet with Arnaldo (Szpiro, the club's basketball director) to find out if there are any reinforcements. But what I can already guarantee our fans is that we will give it our all to win the championship," concluded the Flamengo manager.
Sports Gazette
Kléber Leite confirms talks to repatriate Ronaldo\ Luiz Ricardo Fini\
São Paulo (SP) - Flamengo is once again seeking to fulfill a long-held dream: signing striker Ronaldo. The club's vice president of football, Kléber Leite, confirmed that initial talks are underway to bring back the "Phenomenon," who hasn't been getting opportunities to play for Milan. "There aren't any negotiations yet; we're just starting to talk. We've been authorized by Milan. For now, it's a philosophical conversation because his desires align with Flamengo's," the director explained in a phone conversation with GE.Net.
The Phenomenon, who has never hidden his desire to play for Flamengo, is reportedly willing to swap Milan for the Gávea club. "Flamengo has shown interest in him, and he has also expressed his interest in playing here. Leonardo (Milan director) has authorized me to talk, and we'll see if we can move forward from today (Tuesday) to tomorrow," he added.
The 31-year-old striker is in Brazil recovering from an injury (which prevented him from playing in the Club World Cup) and enjoying the holiday season. "O Fenômeno" has not yet commented on Flamengo's new interest in signing him.
The Rubro-Negro is strengthening its squad for the Copa Libertadores da América. The club has already signed midfielder Marcinho, defender Rodrigo, and defensive midfielders Jônatas, Kléberson, and Gavilán.
Flamengo confirms Gavilán's presentation for Wednesday
Rio de Janeiro (RJ) - Flamengo's board has decided to reschedule midfielder Gavilán's presentation for Wednesday afternoon in Gávea. The athlete's arrival was already scheduled for that date, but the Flamengo leadership had decided to postpone the ceremony. Now, the club has announced that the original date will be maintained, meaning the Paraguayan will indeed wear the club's jersey this Wednesday at 17 p.m. (Brasília time) in the Rogério Steinberg auditorium in Gávea. Gavilán got married on Saturday in Asunción, Paraguay, and would have gained a few more days off, but the athlete's time off will have to be shortened, as the board preferred to keep the presentation for the scheduled day.
The defensive midfielder is Flamengo's fourth official signing. Also arriving for the Libertadores are midfielder Marcinho (formerly of Atlético-MG), defender Rodrigo (formerly of Dynamo Kyiv, Ukraine), and defensive midfielder Jônatas (formerly of Espanyol, Spain). Defensive midfielder Kléberson, who is trying to avoid a FIFA ban, is expected to be confirmed soon.
PeléNet
Milan 'vetoes' the possibility of Ronaldo playing for Flamengo
From UOL Esporte\ In Rio de Janeiro\
Former player and current director of Milan-ITA, Leonardo, made it clear that, at least for now, the possibility of Flamengo having striker Ronaldo is nothing more than a dream.
Ronaldo has not played for Milan due to a series of physical problems.
According to the representative of the Italian club, the current world champion has no interest in getting rid of the Phenomenon.
"There's nothing more than an assumption. It's just the player's desire to play for Flamengo one day and there's no negotiation whatsoever," he told Rádio Globo.
Despite the 'veto,' the four-time world champion with the Brazilian national team admitted to having had a conversation about the matter with Flamengo's vice president of football, Kleber Leite. The director dreams of seeing Ronaldo wearing the Flamengo jersey in the Copa Libertadores da América.
"I have a friendship and a strong connection with Kleber, but nothing that could lead to Ronaldo's transfer," he concluded.
Flamengo will present Gavilán this Wednesday
From UOL Esporte\ In Rio de Janeiro\
Flamengo's board of directors has backtracked and confirmed that it will indeed unveil Gavilán this Wednesday. Fans will be able to see the midfielder don the red-and-black jersey at 17 p.m. (Brasília time) at the Rogério Steinberg Auditorium in Gávea.
Gavilán played in the last Libertadores for Grêmio and has also played for Inter
Initially, the player's presentation was postponed because the midfielder got married last Saturday in Asunción, Paraguay, and would have been granted more rest by the board. However, Gávilan himself changed his mind and opted to stick to the previously agreed upon terms.
The Paraguayan is suspended for 120 days by the Superior Court of Sports Justice (STJD), for having punched Palmeiras midfielder Valdivia in the back, but his sentence is expected to be reduced.
In addition to the steering wheel, Flamengo has already announced midfielder Marcinho, formerly of Atlético-MG, defender Rodrigo, formerly of Dynamo Kyiv-UCR and defensive midfielder Jônatas, formerly of Espanyol-ESP.
BalloonSport
Ronaldo and Flamengo: wedding on the way
The red-black board negotiates to bring Fenômeno to the 2008 Copa Libertadores
Eduardo Peixoto and Thiago Dias
Ronaldo is Flamengo's dream to strengthen the attack in the Copa Libertadores
Flamengo's apparent calm hides a tidal wave that could shake up the entire global market. The Flamengo board is negotiating the signing of striker Ronaldo for the 2008 Copa Libertadores, according to GLOBOESPORTE.COM.
Last week, the club's vice president of football, Kléber Leite, admitted that he recently contacted Milan to inquire about the viability of a deal. The response was negative. But the story wasn't over yet.
"I'll be brief. Flamengo has been authorized by Milan to talk to Ronaldo. We had a preliminary, conceptual conversation with the player, and we realized he has a strong desire to change his life path. The interest is mutual, and Runco has already provided a good clinical assessment," says the director.
According to people close to the club's board, Ronaldo, 31, did not like the Italians' opposing stance and asked to be released, claiming that the club already has - and prefers - Alexandre Pato, Gilardino and Kaká.
To play at Gávea, the Phenomenon would accept a 50% salary reduction. According to the Italian newspaper "La Gazzetta dello Sport," he earns around R$750 and would now earn R$375. Flamengo's highest salary, currently, is Kléberson's, and he's not even half that.
According to sources close to the Rio de Janeiro club, given the appeals, the Italians would be willing to release the player, and the transfer would be "halfway done." The center forward has always made it clear that he supports Flamengo and would one day wear the red-and-black jersey. Milan director Leonardo hasn't ruled out the transfer, but says the Italians want to keep Ronaldo.
"Flamengo has been dreaming about this for a long time. But for now, there's nothing concrete, and he's a Milan player. Ronaldo should think about what he wants," the director says.
Adriano as an example
Last Saturday, a meeting between Kléber and the player's representative, Fabiano Farah, reportedly took place at a restaurant in Rio de Janeiro. The prosecutor denied the information over the phone.
"The meeting didn't happen, but that doesn't mean it won't happen. I know Flamengo is interested. But it all depends on Milan. He's under contract until July 2008, and from January onwards, I'm open to receiving offers from any club," says Farah.
Ronaldo is in Rio de Janeiro to enjoy the holiday season and recover from a left calf injury. His friend Adriano's transfer to São Paulo also motivated him to return to Brazil.
- What Ronaldo wants most right now is to play again - says the athlete's agent.
GLOBOESPORTE.COM learned that negotiations could progress by this Wednesday. Kléber Leite will travel to Angra dos Reis, the same destination as Ronaldo. Interestingly, the manager has always told friends that he dislikes the city in southern Rio de Janeiro. Apparently, something phenomenal has changed his mind.
Runco gives Ronaldo the okay at Fla
Doctor says that if it depends on the clinical side, the star is cleared to defend the club
Eduardo Peixoto and Thiago Dias
José Luiz Runco is Ronaldo's doctor
Flamengo and Ronaldo are lining up a deal for next season. And the key link in this negotiation is José Luiz Runco. The player is a patient of the club and Brazilian national team doctor.
Recently, the Phenomenon visited Runco's clinic in Méier for a consultation about his left calf problem. The orthopedist says that, depending on the clinical situation, Ronaldo is cleared.
"The medical evaluation would be positive. I have a good opinion on Ronaldo. He needs to play, whether in Brazil or anywhere else."
Runco, however, made a point of saying that he does not lobby Ronaldo in any way.
- I have a doctor-patient relationship. My comments are purely about the athlete.
Ronaldo: Milan authorizes Fla to talk
Kléber Leite confirms that he will meet with the striker to discuss the contract
Eduardo Peixoto and Thiago Dias
Ronaldo must change clubs
Flamengo and Ronaldo's relationship was authorized by AC Milan, as confirmed by the Rio club's vice president of football, Kléber Leite.
As GLOBOESPORTE.COM reported on Tuesday afternoon, Flamengo is working behind the scenes to repatriate the Phenomenon. And they reportedly have the player himself as an ally. Kléber Leite spoke with Milan executives, including Brazilian Leonardo, and negotiations were allowed to begin.
"I'll be brief. Flamengo has been authorized by Milan to talk to Ronaldo. We had a preliminary, conceptual conversation with the player, and we realized he has a strong desire to change his life path. The interest is mutual, and Runco has already provided a good clinical assessment," says the director.
The two parties are expected to meet, according to Kléber, in the coming hours. Ronaldo is in Rio de Janeiro and is expected to head to Angra dos Reis this Wednesday. He will spend New Year's Eve there, as will Kléber Leite.
Leonardo sends a message to Ronaldo
'He must think about what he wants,' says the Milan director, who is betting on the striker
Eduardo Peixoto and Thiago Dias
Leonardo says Milan would like to keep Ronaldo in January
Milan wants to keep Ronaldo. But it remains to be seen whether the striker shares the same desire. On Tuesday night, the Italian club's director, Leonardo, confirmed that he is aware of Flamengo's interest in the striker, but does not believe negotiations are advanced.
"He's a Milan player and we'd like him to stay with us. We have an extraordinary relationship and we haven't yet authorized him to negotiate his departure," he says.
The former player spoke with Kléber Leite, vice president of football at Rubro-Negro, in recent days and is aware of the Rio de Janeiro club's interest. When asked if a January transfer would be "almost impossible," Leonardo preferred to remain neutral.
"Flamengo has been dreaming about this for a long time. But nothing concrete has been achieved. Ronaldo should think about what he wants," he says.
Fla presents Gavilán on Wednesday
Reinforcement for the Libertadores, player arrives in Rio on Tuesday night
Gavilán arrives at Fla on Wednesday
Gavilán cut short his honeymoon and will actually be unveiled as Flamengo's new signing this Wednesday afternoon in Gávea. The player got married last Saturday in Asunción, and his arrival at his new club was initially expected to be postponed.
However, the Paraguayan changed his mind and will arrive in Rio on Tuesday night. His official presentation for the Red-Black team will be on Wednesday at 17 p.m. at Rogério Steinberg Stadium.
The 27-year-old midfielder was at Grêmio. He will be the fourth player Flamengo has introduced. Previously, Kléberson (in October), Marcinho, and Rodrigo arrived. Jônatas is missing, and his arrival date has not yet been determined.
Throw
Ronaldo's name is back in the spotlight at Flamengo
The club is expected to meet with the striker's agent in the coming weeks.
Ronaldo is on vacation in Rio de Janeiro
LANCEPRESS!
Flamengo's dream of having striker Ronaldo in the Copa Libertadores isn't over. Last week, Milan officials assured Flamengo's vice president of football, Kléber Leite, that they wouldn't release the "Phenomenon" until his contract expires in June. Even so, Kléber hasn't given up. He's expected to meet with the striker's agent, Fabiano Farah, in late December or early January to discuss the real possibilities of a negotiation.
"The matter hasn't died. There were talks with Milan, and the club gave me the freedom to speak with Ronaldo. There was also a conceptual discussion with him, in terms of his objectives. We'll continue and see where it goes," Kléber admitted to LANCENET!.
The agent is able to receive proposals from any club, since, according to FIFA regulations, such a procedure can take place from the moment there are six months left until the end of the player's contract with the club.
Ronaldo currently earns over R$15 million per year. However, there is reportedly a salary reduction negotiation for the Phenomenon to play for Flamengo. He has already made his passion for the club clear and insists that one day he will wear the red-and-black jersey.
Leonardo makes it difficult for Ronaldo to go to Flamengo
Milan director says player is important to the Italian club\ LANCEPRESS!\ Leonardo, former Flamengo player and Milan director, told LANCE! that Milan is not considering authorizing Ronaldo's transfer to another club. According to him, the Italian club aims to keep Ronaldo until the end of his contract in June 2008.\
"Ronaldo is Ronaldo. Therefore, the Milan board aims to recover him as quickly as possible. The goal is to have him back in the squad. And he always says that his goal, today, is to recover so he can return to defend Milan," explained Leonardo, who confirmed that he spoke with Kléber Leite about a week ago about the matter.
"I know that having Ronaldo at Flamengo is Kléber's dream, but I don't know if that can become a reality for the Libertadores. There's nothing concrete, despite the player's declared passion for the club."
José Luiz Runco gives the go-ahead for Flamengo to have Ronaldo
Doctor confirms star is fit to play in the Copa Libertadores
Runco is a doctor for Flamengo and the Brazilian national team (Credit: Reuters)
LANCEPRESS!
Flamengo's vice president of football, Kléber Leite, stated that José Luiz Runco, Flamengo's and the Brazilian national team's doctor, will be the standard-bearer for Ronaldo's potential transfer to the club. When contacted by the LANCE! news team, Runco made it clear that he has a great relationship with Ronaldo.
"Ronaldo has had a lot of trust in me since the 2002 World Cup. He arrived at the World Cup that year feeling discouraged, but we managed to revive him. That's why my relationship with the player is perfect. Whenever he has a difficult medical problem to resolve, he always comes to me," Runco explained, making a point of saying he doesn't know if his presence will influence the negotiations.
Runco also stated that he can recover Ronaldo for the Copa Libertadores:
"He doesn't have any serious injuries. Therefore, we'll be able to recover him quickly if he comes to Flamengo."
Joel Santana values good humor
The red-black coach turns 59 this Tuesday
LANCEPRESS!
Celebrating his birthday this Tuesday, Joel Santana has always been known for his good humor. The coach, who led Flamengo's run in the Brasileirão and led the club to next year's Copa Libertadores, explains where his enthusiasm comes from:
- Especially at this time with so many difficulties and so much violence, without a little humor, you can't survive - he says.
Joel turned 59 on December 25th. Natalino is acclaimed by the red-black fans as Papai Joel.
Gavilán performs this Wednesday in Gávea
Steering wheel has already participated in four editions of the Copa Libertadores
LANCEPRESS!
Paraguayan Gavilán, one of Flamengo's five new signings for the 2008 season, will be presented this Wednesday at 17pm at the Rogerio Steinberg auditorium in Gávea.
At 27 years old, the midfielder has played for Internacional and Grêmio, in Brazil, in addition to having played in four Libertadores, a competition prioritized by the red-black directors.
Campaign will help complete Flamengo's training center
Part of the profit from the sale of the number 12 shirt will be used at Ninho do Urubu
Flamengo has been reaping the rewards of having honored the red-black fans by retiring the number 12 shirt, corresponding to the 12th player.
Since the club launched a jersey on November 15th—Flamengo's birthday—specifically for fans, the club has already made R$80 in profit. Sales are expected to increase during the Christmas season.
The jersey is selling for R$39,90, and 15% of the price will go toward the completion of the Ninho do Urubu training center in Vargem Grande. More than 13 No. 12 jerseys have already been sold, which is within the target initially set by Flamengo's marketing department.