The Globe

Chamber ends gravy train at Timemania

At the government's request, deputies reject an amendment that multiplied the number of beneficiaries

BRASILIA. At the request of the government, concerned about the loss of resources and the risk of demoralizing Timemania, the Chamber of Deputies yesterday halted the gravy train that expanded from 104 to 600 the number of clubs benefiting from perks to renegotiate debts with the Federal Revenue Service, FGTS (Severance Fund for Social Security), and INSS (National Institute of Social Security) over a period of up to 20 years. The package of benefits, which even included relatively unimportant teams, had been approved by the Senate. With the amendment's rejection, the provisional measure creating the lottery now only awaits President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva's signature.

After the change, the installment plan for debts owed to the federal government will once again apply only to members of Series A (20), B (20), and C (64) of the Brazilian Championship. Despite the cuts to the list, the deputies maintained the amendment that extends the benefits to clubs that file lawsuits against the state in court. For Gorete Pereira (PR-CE), the rapporteur of the MP in the Chamber of Deputies, this victory for the club officials shows that the so-called "banco da bola" (ball caucus) continues to operate in Congress.

"The clubs worked well in the plenary. Even the PMDB voted unitedly against the government, which expected to see the amendment rejected with ease," commented the deputy, who criticized the senators for making changes without studies to justify the benefits.

When the MP first passed through the Chamber, the clubs had won an extension of the deadline for paying their debts, from 180 to 240 months, and the automatic forgiveness of half of the fines on taxes owed to the Union.

Rapporteur reacts to privileges with resignation

Representatives maintained the amendment that allocated part of the lottery funds to physical rehabilitation organizations for people with disabilities. Despite the series of changes to the text, Representative Gorete Pereira stated that the main points of the provisional measure were preserved. Even though she opposed the amendment that would allow officials to extend payment deadlines while contesting debts in court, she mitigated the impact of the new rules on public coffers:

- It's just an extra privilege for the clubs.

Renato's departure from Flamengo is almost certain

Flamengo's top scorer for the last three seasons, midfielder Renato, who is interested in a club in the United Arab Emirates, is expected to leave Gávea. His contract expires on December 31st, and the release clause is $2 million (approximately R$3,9 million). Behind the scenes, his departure is almost certain.

"I have information that the representative will arrive in Rio mid-week. If he comes, he will be welcomed, and we will talk," said Kleber Leite, vice president of football.

Renato has avoided interviews, fearing being singled out by fans. The club signed Argentine striker Maxi Biancucchi, cousin of Messi, who plays for Barcelona and the national team, but whom coach Ney Franco has yet to meet.

Fernando Calazans

And speaking of Argentina, Flamengo is signing a young striker from the region, Maximiliano Biancucchi, 22, who is the cousin of fellow young star Messi, of Barcelona and the Argentine national team. Max, as Messi's cousin is known, used to play in Paraguay, specifically for Sportivo Luqueño.

As we know, Argentina (as well as Brazil or any other South American country) has three types of players, namely:

1) The best - who play in Europe;

2) The more or less - who play in their own country;

3) And the worst ones - who will play in Paraguay. (This is the case of Max).

Even so, with Max being so young, let's hope he breaks our perverse South American reality and blossoms in the Flamengo team, which really needs new talent.

If Max plays half as well as Messi, Flamengo will be well served.

Sports Journal

Fla looking for a new goalkeeper

The club is still fighting for Bruno, who could leave Gávea. Cruzeiro's Fábio emerges as an alternative.

Leo Schabbach and Thiago Bokel

Fábio, a Vasco alumnus who currently plays for Cruzeiro, is recovering from knee surgery. If Bruno leaves, he could be the next player to join

Already thinking about an alternative to the departure of Bruno, whose contract will end on Saturday, the red-black board is starting to think about a name to replace the number 1. Fábio, who came up through the ranks at Vasco and is currently at Cruzeiro, is one of the options from Flamengo's football leadership to fill the likely vacancy left by the goalkeeper's departure.

Two issues, however, could hinder Fábio's signing: Bruno's departure has not yet been confirmed and his long period of inactivity. The player is recovering from cruciate ligament surgery in his left knee, but according to reports from Belo Horizonte, he is already nearing the end of his treatment and could return to ball training within two weeks.

Fábio had a promising start at Vasco, but after a turbulent departure from São Januário to Cruzeiro, he was never able to repeat the good performances that earned him a spot on the Brazilian national team.

As previously stated by businessman Eduardo Uram, Bruno's departure is imminent, as MSI, the group that holds his federation rights, will try every possible way to send him to the European market. Bruno has reportedly even been informed by his representative that these will be his last days playing for Flamengo.

However, there's still a glimmer of hope for the goalkeeper's contract renewal with Flamengo. Vice President of Football Kleber Leite spoke by phone yesterday with Iranian Kia Joorabichian, head of MSI in Brazil, and brought some good news.

"Bruno's situation has improved. I spoke with Kia and it was agreed that if no offer for him comes in by Friday, MSI will renew the player's loan for another six months," said the director.

Although Fábio's name was mentioned at Gávea, vice president of football Kleber Leite denied that the club had approached the goalkeeper. However, rumors within Flamengo are strong that Fábio would be the ideal replacement in the event of Bruno's departure, and could even become the new owner of the red-and-black number 1 jersey.

Messi's cousin reaches an agreement with Flamengo

Barcelona's Messi's cousin, Argentine Biancucchi (L) left religion to dedicate himself exclusively to football

Argentine striker Maxi Biancucchi, 22, cousin of Barcelona's Lionel Messi, has been confirmed as the first signing for the Brasileirão. The player will sign his contract on Monday and arrives to bolster the attacking sector, which has been heavily criticized lately. The club announced that it has acquired 50% of his economic rights, in addition to his federation rights. Although he did not confirm the deal, vice president of football Kleber Leite confirms that the transaction has been completed.

Flamengo's executives and coaching staff stated that, despite the player's kinship with the Barcelona star, the signing was due to his technical qualities. And, according to the president of Sportivo Luqueño, Fernando González Karjallo, the club with which Biancucchi won the Paraguayan Apertura Tournament, the Rubro-Negro is making a great deal. In an interview with the Paraguayan newspaper "ABC Color," Karjallo revealed that the Argentine was one of the four signings responsible for the title win.

Despite his positive reputation, the player, who began his career in the youth ranks of San Lorenzo in Argentina, has a curious past. In June of last year, he left soccer to dedicate himself to evangelical worship. In 2007, upon his return to the field, he became Paraguayan champion.

In turn, coach Ney Franco said he was unfamiliar with the player's football skills, but still confirmed that the signing should be beneficial.

"He's a player who had a good season, and I've only had good things to say about him. Many South American clubs were after him, and Flamengo was quicker. I'll still analyze him in training, but I believe we've gained a good reinforcement for the rest of the championship," he said.

Toró says he is 'flying' at Rubro-Negro

Midfielder Toró, who has regained his starting spot for Flamengo and has been highly praised by Ney Franco, revealed yesterday the secret behind his sudden increase in performance. The player admitted that he has been giving his all in training and that, as a result, he is in much better physical shape. He celebrated the decrease in his body fat percentage and the increase in his physical strength.

"I'm training with a lot of will and determination. My body fat percentage has dropped and I've improved a lot. I had to stop eating some foods to achieve this, but I don't regret it. Now it's time to work to continue excelling," he said.

Furthermore, Toró, who has long been considered a player with great potential, said that now is the time to finally emerge and start showing his best football.

"I hope this is the time to establish myself once and for all. I know I'm young, as I'm only 21, but there are other young players out there who are breaking through. That's why I'm working really hard to make things happen," said Toró, who also reaffirmed the players' desire to get the club out of the dire situation it finds itself in in the Brazilian league.

"We are all certainly looking forward to the game against Atlético. We want Flamengo to bounce back in the competition soon," he said.

Ney resigned to Renato's departure from Fla

While Argentine Biancucchi is arriving, one of the club's biggest idols may be having his final days at Gávea. Negotiations involving midfielder Renato's transfer to a club in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, are very close to being finalized. One indication that this may happen is coach Ney Franco's resignation to the loss of his captain.

"Renato is a very important player, but if he does leave, I have good alternatives in the group to replace him. I guarantee that the players are prepared to cover his possible absence," said the red-black coach.

However, the numbers show that the team doesn't perform as well when Renato is out. This year, the two times the starting lineup played without him, they lost 4-0 to Figueirense and drew 2-2 at home with Internacional, achieving just 16% of the points. In the other three games this season when he wasn't playing, Ney Franco opted to field the reserves, winning two and losing one.

Renato is also the team's top scorer this season with 13 goals, always scoring in decisive matches. It's no coincidence that he was chosen by Ney Franco to be the team captain. With his departure confirmed, the red-and-black coach loses not only his free-kick taker but also his commanding voice on the field. The player's release clause is approximately US$2 million, approximately R$3,9 million.

Ney Franco comments on Flamengo's new signing

Unlike other signings, striker Maximiliano Biancucchi's arrival at Flamengo wasn't a recommendation from Ney Franco, but from former Flamengo coach Valdir Espinosa. It was the current Cerro Portenõ coach who gave the player positive reviews to Gávea's vice president of football, Kleber Leite.

However, Neymar appears to be open to the reinforcement. A cousin of star Lionel Messi, Maximiliano scored eight goals in the last Paraguayan championship, playing for Sportivo Luqueño, the current national champion.

"He's a player who arrived on someone else's recommendation, and I don't know him yet. But there won't be any prejudice against him. I'm the coach, and I have to evaluate him in training. He comes from a competition where he played for a smaller team and was successful, so I expect to have him on the team," commented Ney Franco in an interview with Rádio Tupi.

O Dia

Flamengo: At least it's family

Nominated by Valdir Espinosa, Maxi Biancucci, Messi's cousin, arrives on Monday

Rio - In Gávea, no one knows Argentine Maximiliano Biancucci. Coach Ney Franco didn't even know that star Messi had a cousin who played in Paraguayan soccer. But Valdir Espinosa, coach of Cerro Porteño, knows Maxi's style and recommended the striker from Sportivo Luquenño, the Paraguayan champion. The player, already nicknamed "generic brother," will be presented on Monday.

Forward Souza guarantees that the Argentine, who comes from Paraguay, will be welcomed "with open arms." Like most Flamengo fans, he hopes the 22-year-old, just 1,65'20", will keep the family name afloat. "I've never heard of him, but if this Maxi guy plays at least XNUMX% of what Messi does, he'll be very good," Souza jokes.

Ney Franco has never seen Maxi play, but he approved the signing based on Espinosa's praise and information from collaborators working in Paraguay. The coach says he will give the Argentine an opportunity to showcase his skills in training during July, as the forward will only be eligible for registration in the Brasileirão in early August.

"I can't have any prejudice against the player. But he wasn't signed because he's Messi's cousin. He'll have to prove himself here, like anyone else," he warns.

Once Maxi's signing was finalized, Vice President of Football Kléber Leite focused his attention on negotiating the retention of goalkeeper Bruno. The player's contract expires on Saturday.

Yesterday, Kléber managed to speak with Iranian Kia Joorabchian, president of MSI, by phone and said he was pleased with the outcome of the conversation. "The conversation went very well, and by Friday we should finalize Bruno's contract extension until the end of the year," the director hopes.

Sports Gazette

Flamengo confirms deal with Messi's cousin\ Gazeta Press\

Rio de Janeiro (RJ) - What's said at Flamengo one day may not be true the next. Shortly after guaranteeing that it would only announce reinforcements next week, the club confirmed late Tuesday afternoon the signing of midfielder Max Biancuchi, who played in the last Paraguayan Championship for Libertad. The player, who is Messi's cousin - from Barcelona - had half of his economic and federation rights acquired by the Rio de Janeiro club. The player is expected to report next Monday, when he will undergo a medical and sign a contract.

It's another gamble by Flamengo's current board on a foreign player. Over the past two years, midfielder Horacio Peralta and forward César Ramirez have played for Gávea, but failed to establish themselves and were ultimately released.

Even though he has already confirmed his contract with Flamengo, Biancuchi will only be able to make his debut in August, when registrations for the Brazilian Championship reopen for players from abroad.

Ney Franco guarantees focus on Galo and should promote changes\ Gazeta Press\

Rio de Janeiro (RJ) - While the board discusses the signing of reinforcements for the team, coach Ney Franco assures that his focus is on the July 4th match against Atlético-MG at Mineirão Stadium. For the match, the coach must make changes in midfield and deal with the issue of Bruno's contract expiring and Souza's injury in attack. To prepare for the game, Ney scouted Galo last Sunday, in the derby against Cruzeiro. "Atlético has a very well-organized team. They play a traditional 4-4-2, with two holding midfielders and two attacking midfielders. The Minas Gerais team has great set-pieces, so we have to be very careful," emphasized the red-and-black coach.

Of the team he intends to field, Ney Franco doesn't yet know if he'll be able to field goalkeeper Bruno, whose loan ends on Saturday. If the situation isn't resolved, Diego will get another opportunity with Flamengo's number one jersey.

The red-and-black midfield will feature a new formation, with Jaílton, Toró, Léo Medeiros, and Renato. Although Ney Franco has abandoned the 3-5-2 formation after poor results in recent rounds, the team will not neglect its defense against Galo.

"Without the ball, I'll often function as a third defender, but with possession, I have the freedom to launch counterattacks and come in as a surprise," assured Jaílton, who will occupy the position previously occupied by Paulinho, who was sidelined due to technical difficulties. Toró will play slightly ahead of Jaílton in the position.

Without Souza, who is suspended, and with Obina still recovering physically, Flamengo's attack will likely once again consist of Paulo Sérgio and Leonardo. The latter, signed from Paraná in late 2006, is still trying to justify his signing.

"I know I haven't been able to perform as well as I did at Paraná, but I've had some injuries that have hindered me here at Flamengo, as I haven't been able to start a string of games. I hope I can start this streak now and show my potential," said Leonardo.

On Friday, the red-and-black team travels to Belo Horizonte, where they will finalize their preparations for the match against Atlético-MG at Toca da Raposa. With six points, the Red-and-Black team needs a win to try to escape the relegation zone in the Brazilian Championship.

PeléNet

Flamengo signs cousin of Argentine Lionel Messi, Guilherme Toscano

Flamengo agreed on Tuesday afternoon to sign Argentine striker Maximiliano Biancucchi, who plays for Sportivo Luqueño-PAR, and is the cousin of Barcelona-ESP star Lionel Messi.

The player arrives in Rio de Janeiro next Monday to undergo medical examinations and sign his contract with the Gávea club. Details of the negotiation and the contract term have not yet been announced.

What's certain is that the red-and-black team acquired part of Biancucchi's economic rights. A starter for most of the Paraguayan Championship, in which he scored eight goals, the forward helped lead Sportivo Luqueño to the national title. Standing at 1,65m tall, the striker is known for his play on the flanks of the box.

Despite the signing, the player will only be able to make his debut for Flamengo in August, when the international transfer window opens in Brazil.

Toró says it's time to live up to expectations\ Guilherme Toscano\

When he joined Fluminense's first team, Toró was considered a future star. Despite this, the midfielder didn't achieve much prominence. Now, he's playing for one of the club's biggest rivals, Flamengo. After a strong performance in the 2-2 draw against Internacional, he expressed confidence that he could finally live up to the initial expectations.

"This has to be the time, time is passing. I'm 21 years old and the opportunity is being given to me. It's time to respond. I've improved physically, I've lost weight, I'm eating less junk food at home. Now, it's work, work, work," said the hopeful player.

The athlete commented on his performance against Internacional and expressed his desire to help Flamengo escape the awkward situation it finds itself in. The red-and-black team is currently 17th in the Brazilian Championship, the first team in the relegation zone.

"Thank God, I did well against Inter. Unfortunately, we didn't win, but at least I stood out and earned a place in the starting lineup. I'm looking forward to getting back on the field and helping Flamengo get out of this bad patch," said Toró.

Ney Franco approves the arrival of the Argentine, but has never seen him play

Guilherme Toscano

Next Monday, Flamengo's squad will gain another player: Argentine Maximiliano Biancucchi, a forward from Sportivo Luqueño-PAR and cousin of star Lionel Messi. Coach Ney Franco approved the signing:

"It's a recommendation from a great coach, Valdir Espinosa, who's working in Paraguay. He had a good season there, winning the championship with a lesser-known team. I've never seen him play, but he comes with good references."

Flamengo's coach made it very clear: the player wasn't signed because of his famous cousin. Ney Franco didn't rush into things, stating that he'll need to observe the player to decide how he'll be used.

"My role is to get the player training, observe him, and then evaluate the best time to use him. He's another option for the attack and, by all indications, a good one. He's not coming because he's Messi's cousin," the club's manager declared.

In 2006, Flamengo experimented with players from other South American countries. Forwards Peralta and Ramírez played for Flamengo but failed to score, engaging in disciplinary action. They were eventually released. According to Ney Franco, the situation cannot be used as a benchmark:

"I can't be prejudiced just because two other South American players didn't work out here. Otherwise, it would mean Flamengo is closing the club's doors to these athletes. But of course, we will demand professionalism from him, as we do with everyone in the squad."

Striker Souza also commented on his potential strike partner. He downplayed the ongoing feud between the Argentines and Brazilians and assured that he will find a way to reach an understanding with Maximiliano Biancucchi on the field.

"We will welcome him with open arms. As for the rivalry between the two countries, I'm sure he will come around slowly; he knows how things are. I have no doubt we will understand each other. If I yell at him to cross, he will (laughs)," Souza joked good-naturedly.

Ney Franco also said he expects more news soon: "What Kleber [Leite, the club's vice-president of football] has been telling us is that we will have more quality reinforcements."

Flamengo sits in 17th place in the Brazilian Championship with six points. The red-and-black team has a game in hand over its direct rivals to avoid the relegation zone and returns to action on July 4th against Atlético-MG at Mineirão Stadium.

BalloonSport

Kléber Leite confirms agreement with Argentine

Rubro-negro director says that the club signed the striker for four seasons\ Fred Huber\

According to Kléber Leite, Maxi Biancucchi signs for four seasons. Flamengo's vice president of football, Kléber Leite, confirmed that the club has reached an agreement with striker Maxi Biancucchi, from Sportivo Luqueño. The player, in an interview with GLOBOESPORTE.COM, stated that he had received an offer from Flamengo, but that nothing was concrete yet. The Flamengo director informed that the player arrives in Rio de Janeiro and signs with the club for four years (two extendable for another two).

"I'm saying the player is signed. What may have happened is a communication problem between the agent and him. He arrives in Rio on Sunday night and will be presented on Monday," he told GLOBOESPORTE.COM by phone.

Toró is happy with life and the scales

Player celebrates good form and hopes that his time to break through has finally come\ Fred Huber\

Toró's persistence was rewarded with a place in the starting lineup

Happy with the opportunity coach Ney Franco is giving him to be a starter, Toró can't contain his joy and excitement about getting back on the field. Since joining Flamengo, he's made a few appearances for the team, including in the 2006 Copa do Brasil final, but hasn't established himself. With persistence and dedication in training, Toró hopes to secure a spot in the starting eleven.

"The secret is to keep persisting, never give up. Grab your opportunities with all your might. Against Internacional, I performed well and hope to earn a starting spot," he declares.

One of the secrets to Toró's improved performance is physical. Previously, the player struggled with the scales to stay in shape, but times have changed now.

"The scale has helped now, before I ate a lot of junk food at home. Now I'm fine, I hope to grow with every opportunity I'm given," he says.

A great prospect since his time playing in Fluminense's youth teams, Toró hopes that his moment to break out has finally arrived.

"It has to be my time. I'm only 21, but other younger players are already making waves," he says.

Ney Franco fears Renato's possible departure

The red-black coach hopes the transfer window closes as soon as possible.

Renato's contract ends at the end of the year, and he may be saying goodbye to Fla

Supporter Renato has a strong chance of leaving Flamengo. The player's likely destination would be a team in Dubai, the capital of the United Arab Emirates. However, the club's board denies the player's departure. The one who is most fearful is coach Ney Franco, who would have more trouble selecting the team.

"Like every coach, I have to hope the European window closes soon. It's not just Renato, but others in the squad. In Brazil, we're all afraid of losing players," says the coach.

The player's contract ends on December 31st.

Bruno's decision could be announced on Friday

Kléber Leite meets with Kia Joorabchian and hopes to renew with the goalkeeper for six months\ Fred Huber\

The soap opera about Bruno's possible transfer had another chapter this Tuesday

Flamengo's vice president of football, Kléber Leite, met with Kia Joorabchian, a representative of the Brazilian Institute of Sporting Goods (MSI), on Tuesday to try to renew goalkeeper Bruno's contract. The agreement hasn't been finalized yet, but the Flamengo executive hasn't given up hope of keeping the player at the club for another six months. Another round of negotiations is expected to take place on Friday.

"I spoke with Kia (Joorabchian) this Tuesday and we may have news on Friday. We can't resolve anything before Friday. There's a possibility we could have Bruno for another six months," he told GLOBOESPORTE.COM by phone.

Bruno's contract with Flamengo ends in four days. Against Atlético-MG on July 3rd, Ney Franco is expected to field Diego with the No. 1 jersey.

Throw

Timemania is approved by the Chamber

Clubs must be called up from next week

Paulo Henrique Caruso and Vicente Seda

The Chamber of Deputies completed one of the final steps toward implementing Timemania on Tuesday. Lawmakers approved a Provisional Measure (MP) amending last year's text and expanding the lottery's benefits to clubs. Clubs suffered only one significant defeat in the process: the rejection of the amendment proposed by the Club of 13, which called for replacing the Selic rate with the TJLP (Long Term Lottery Interest Rate), which would have reduced financing interest by approximately 50%.

Now, all that's missing is President Lula's approval of the provisional measure and the publication of the regulatory decree by the Chief of Staff. With this, Caixa Econômica Federal, the lottery's manager, will be able to summon the clubs and sign the installment agreement with the creditor agencies. This will ensure the teams receive their long-awaited Certificate of Clearance.

The Ministry of Sports has been finalizing the regulations since March. With the provisional measure finalized, it will make minor adjustments before submitting it for approval. According to Gilmar Machado (Workers' Party-MG), one of the Timemania rapporteurs, approval is expected early next week.

- Next week, clubs should start being called in for talks – said Machado.

Of the two amendments introduced during the Senate's proceedings, deputies approved one. They narrowly approved allowing clubs to include debts they contest in court in the installment plan, allowing them to be excluded later if they win. The proposal to expand the number of clubs eligible for the installment plan was rejected by deputies.

Kléber Leite confirms agreement with Maxi Biancucchi

Rubro-Negro director says striker arrives in Brazil on Sunday

After speculation that he had not reached an agreement with Flamengo, the vice-president of football, Kléber Leite, confirmed that Argentine striker Maximiliano Biancucchi is with Rubro-Negro.

The director said that the player, Paraguayan champion with Sportivo Luqueño, will arrive in Brazil on Sunday night and will report to his new club on Monday.

"We already have a pre-contract signed with the player. What may have happened is a communication issue between the agent and the player," the director said.

Ney Franco wants to improve Flamengo's tactics

The red-black coach has already worked the team's physical part to exhaustion

Coach Ney Franco has been focusing on physical fitness during Flamengo's absence. He believes it's important to improve his players' conditioning for the rest of the year.

This Tuesday, the team held a training session at Gávea. The forwards practiced finishing, while the defenders worked on defensive fundamentals.

This Wednesday, the coach will begin focusing on tactics. He wants to improve this fundamentals to help the team escape the relegation zone. Ney Franco will take advantage of the trip to Minas Gerais to practice his tactics.

"Tomorrow (Wednesday) we'll work on tactics in the afternoon. Nothing specific, it'll be general work, offensive and defensive, mini-college training, set pieces, and tactics until Friday," Ney stated, before adding.

- We have to improve the tactical side in general - he said.

Cesar Maia: 'Maracaná will have big events'

Engenhão will be the best option for clubs, according to the mayor

With the opening of the João Havelange Olympic Stadium, Maracanã will likely be used only for major matches. At least that's the intention of Mayor Cesar Maia, who believes the Engenhão stadium will generate more profits for Rio de Janeiro clubs.

"Besides being a monument, the Engenhão stadium is a new path. The Maracanã stadium has heavy, expensive equipment, which ends up deducting a high percentage of revenue. The Engenhão stadium opens up the possibility of greater profitability, as everything is first-class—sound, lighting, turnstiles. The Maracanã stadium will be like Wembley, only for major events," said the mayor, who confirmed that the new stadium's costs were high, but believes they were worth it.

"Total spending was R$380 million, exceeding our forecast of R$330 million. It's not cheap, but compared to major stadiums around the world, like the Beijing and Munich Olympics, it was even cheaper with the same quality equipment," he added in an interview with Rádio Globo.

Paraguayan fans mourn Biancucchi's departure

Orkut community members call for player to stay

Fans of Sportivo Luqueño, from Paraguay, have already begun to mourn the departure of Argentine striker Maximiliano Biancucchi, on the social networking site Orkut.

In the Paraguayan team's community, fans were saddened by the departure of the striker, who was largely responsible for winning the Apertura Tournament.

Some members of the community are unhappy with the athlete's departure, but others wish him good luck and even reveal that they will support Flamengo because of Biancucchi.

In the community, there are also some Flamengo fans asking Paraguayans for their opinions on the striker's football.