The Globe
Fla runs after reinforcement indicated by Orkut and TV
DVD is a thing of the past. Reinforcements can now come through fan recommendations online or even through a news story on TV. This is the case with 15-year-old Maycon Santana, the target of a campaign by Flamengo fans, who were asking for his signing on the social networking site Orkut. Faced with the threat of a professional exodus, Flamengo's board let things slide.
But on Tuesday, William Bonner ended the "Jornal Nacional" broadcast, reporting on the fans' mobilization on Orkut, recommending Maycon to the club. Just in case, vice president of football Kleber Leite ordered Adílio, the youth coach, to meet the youngster in person: Adílio arrives today in Adustina, northeastern Bahia, to evaluate the prospect.
While Adílio scouts talent in Bahia, the team travels today to Minas Gerais, where they will train until Wednesday, when they return to play in the Brazilian Championship against Atlético-MG. Goalkeeper Bruno and midfielder Renato, who could leave Flamengo, are in the delegation. Bruno's contract ends tomorrow, and Diego will play if he doesn't renew. Renato's case, who has an offer from abroad, will only be discussed again on the 9th, after the match against São Paulo.
Sports Journal
Renato in the rhythm of goodbye
The player would have signed a pre-contract with Al-Nasr and would stay at Fla for two more games.
Leo Schabbach
Until one day — Renato participates in training at Gávea and travels today to Belo Horizonte, where the team will prepare for the match against Atlético, on July 4th
Midfielder Renato, one of Flamengo's standout performers in recent seasons, may be just two games away from his farewell to the club. Yesterday morning, his agent, Claudio Guadagno, met with a representative of Al-Nasr, from the United Arab Emirates, and began talks to decide on the player's transfer. The foreign club, which recently hired coach Vágner Mancini, formerly of Paulista, intends to sign the midfielder to a ten-month contract.
Despite Arab interest, vice president of football Kleber Leite assured that Renato will play for Flamengo in its next two away games, against Atlético-MG at Mineirão Stadium and São Paulo at Morumbi Stadium. According to him, the matter will only be resolved when the club returns from São Paulo on the 9th.
"This is not a matter of discussion during this period of matches. Negotiations are at a standstill, and I will only return to this matter on July 9th. It is important that this situation be left aside, especially so that Renato can be preserved. He needs to be fully focused on the next two matches, as they will be decisive for the club in the Brazilian Championship," he stated.
However, after the match against São Paulo, Flamengo will only play again on the 19th against Paraná. Therefore, it's very likely that Renato has already been traded.
Despite all the confusion surrounding the transfer, the supporter made a point of praising the red-black fans and saying that he intends to find a solution that is good for everyone.
"I'm sure the negotiations will end smoothly and without any friction for either party. I have great respect for this club and, especially, for these spectacular fans," said the player.
If the transfer is confirmed, coach Ney Franco will have another problem to solve. Although there are rumors that Flamengo is trying to sign a good attacking midfielder, the coach has already made it clear that Renato's absence is always felt by the players.
Kleber Leite wants to keep Juan at the club
Full-back Juan has been one of Flamengo's few standouts in this early stage of the Brazilian Championship. His good form has earned him recognition and prompted vice president of football Kleber Leite to move to ensure his continued presence. It's no surprise that yesterday, the player stated he's having a good time.
"Having this kind of recognition is gratifying. I'm pleased to be performing well. This is the happiest moment of my career," said the player, who is expected to receive gratitude from the club's board in the form of a new contract, which includes a salary increase and the purchase of 25% of his federation rights.
"In a week, Juan's situation should be resolved and we'll be able to tear up his contract and sign another four- or five-year contract. With the proposal we made, we'll retain 75% of the player's rights, and that's enough to keep him at the club," said vice president of football Kleber Leite.
Flamengo seeks new talent online
Keeping an eye on the club — Adílio, coach and former star player, is tracking down a 15-year-old boy in Bahia to watch him juggle the ball. Maycon could be signed.
Does Flamengo still play at home? Perhaps. But the club's board of directors innovated, swapping Gávea for the Internet and deciding to seek out young talent online. The soccer department sent two emissaries, coach Adílio and fundraising director Flávio Pereira, to Bahia to try to sign 15-year-old Maycon Santana, based on a video posted on YouTube.
Maycon plays for Adustinense FC, from Adustina, a Bahian town 300 kilometers from Salvador, which released a ten-minute video of him juggling a ball. The boy begins the performance barefoot, in shorts, and shirtless on a court. Then he moves onto the field, already dressed in uniform and cleats, and participating in a game of soccer with other boys.
The images of Maycon controlling the ball, broadcast by a TV station, touched several Flamengo fans, who promised to flood Flamengo's email inbox with thousands of messages asking for the young talent's signing. The club then decided to send Adílio and Flávio Pereira to Adustina, where they will speak with the boy's parents.
If Maycon's football skills impress Flamengo's representatives, they will bring him to Rio de Janeiro for testing. If approved, he will join Flamengo's youth academy and leave Bahia to live near Gávea.
Léo Lima says he will return to great performances
The coaching staff's confidence in midfielder Léo Lima seems to have finally touched the player. After yesterday's training session, he revealed that his contract renewal has reassured him and that from now on, he'll be able to perform better. He then added that, with the opportunities to play and the success of games, he'll be able to return to performing well.
"I'm happy that he (Ney Franco) trusts me. Players really need match fitness to be able to play their best football. I'm sure that in the next few matches, I'll be able to really take off in the Brazilian Championship," he said.
Coach Ney Franco was also optimistic and, in addition to praising the player's qualities, revealed that the contract renewal was at his request.
"I was the one who asked for Léo Lima to stay. I want him to play for the team and stay here. We've invested a lot in him, getting him back in shape physically and technically. He's only now ready, and I'm sure that if he picks up some pace, he'll perform very well," the coach said.
O Dia
Days numbered at Flamengo
Renato plays against Galo and São Paulo. After that, he's expected to head to the United Arab Emirates.
Marluci Martins
Rio - Renato is staying. But probably not for long. Flamengo's vice president of football, Kléber Leite, yesterday guaranteed the midfielder's presence at the next two matches: against Atlético-MG on the 4th at Mineirão Stadium and São Paulo on the 7th at Morumbi Stadium.
Isn't that enough? For coach Ney Franco, who's struggling with the team's lineup, the news that the player is traveling with the delegation to Belo Horizonte today was a relief. Unable to count on Souza, who will serve another one-game suspension, the coach decided to start Renato up front, paired with Leonardo.
"I'm hoping we lose as few players as possible. So, I'm happy to have Renato available for these two matches," the coach said.
Without confirming whether he has already signed a pre-contract with Al-Nasr, from the United Arab Emirates, the player only confirmed that he will have a meeting with Kléber Leite soon: "Nothing has been decided regarding my future at Flamengo. We will still sit down and have a meeting, which will be attended by my representative, Claudio Guadagno. I am certain that the outcome will be peaceful and without any friction for both parties."
Flamengo's vice president of football hopes to resolve the situation of goalkeeper Bruno today, whose contract expires on Saturday. Ney Franco was confident: "He's also traveling to Belo Horizonte. Kléber will resolve his situation."
Léo Lima's situation has already been resolved. Flamengo has decided to renew his contract for another six months. All that's left is to sign the document.
Thus, Ney Franco has already chosen the team that will face Galo, on Wednesday: Bruno Leonardo Moura, Irineu, Angelim and Juan; Jaílton, Toró, Léo Medeiros and Léo Lima; Renato and Leonardo.
Flamengo goes to Bahia to look for the 'Pelé of the Internet'
15-year-old is the new bet of the red-black board
Rio - While finding reinforcements in the soccer market is difficult, Flamengo's board is starting to turn its attention to the virtual world. A 15-year-old boy became a craze online after a video produced by his family went viral. Young Maycon Santana, from Bahia, has become the top request from Flamengo fans in the club's Orkut community.
Click here and watch the video
Request made, request accepted. The Flamengo board sent former player Adílio, who works in Flamengo's youth academy, to Bahia to observe the young talent. If approved, Maycon will be invited to move to Rio de Janeiro and begin training with Flamengo's youth academy.
Sports Gazette
Léo Lima is expected to stay until the end of the year. Ney Franco approves.
Rio de Janeiro (RJ) - If it's up to coach Ney Franco, midfielder Léo Lima will stay at Flamengo until the end of the year. With the deal practically finalized, the coach stated that he trusts the player and sees no other options for the position on the market. According to the manager, the athlete needs to start playing more frequently to perform well. "I asked for his renewal because I have a lot of faith in the player. Léo Lima arrived here out of shape and needed to recover physically. Right now, he's ready to play. He's in good physical shape and just needs a series of games to get going," he stated.
Ney Franco's words were well received by Léo Lima. "He placed his trust in me because he knows my potential. Once I get into the swing of things, I'll take off. This renewal encourages me to play to my limit, to give it my all. I'm happy, because I really wanted to stay," he concluded.
Flamengo predicts a complicated sequence in the Brasileirão\ Gazeta Press\
Rio de Janeiro (RJ) - The CBF confirmed late Wednesday night the change in the time of the match between São Paulo and Flamengo, for the tenth round of the Brazilian Championship. The duel will take place on July 7th. Previously, the match was scheduled for 20:30 pm (Brasília time). Now, it is moved to 18:10 pm, at Morumbi Stadium. The reason for the change is the possibility of Brazil's Copa América match being held on the same day, at 21:45 pm (Brasília time). Speaking of upcoming matches, Flamengo will have a very difficult sequence for a team currently in the relegation zone. After dueling Atlético-MG and São Paulo away from home, the Rubro-Negro will play in Uberlândia (MG) against Paraná Clube, as they will not be able to use the Maracanã, which is being loaned for the Pan American Games. After that, they face Grêmio at the Olympic Stadium, in Porto Alegre (RS), and América-RN, in Juiz de Fora (MG), a game in which they are also the home team.\
"I know the streak isn't the best, but if we consider the fact that we'd have to face these opponents sooner or later in the season, theoretically it changes very little. Flamengo just needs to focus on playing good football and getting points to leave the relegation zone as quickly as possible," said Ney Franco.
Ney Franco angry about possible losses\ Gazeta Press\
Rio de Janeiro (RJ) - Flamengo coach Ney Franco has made no secret of his concern about the possibility of losing key players from his squad with the opening of the international transfer window. Therefore, the coach has asked the CBF to revise the Brazilian football calendar to align it with the European calendar, thus avoiding this kind of situation. "I've always advocated for our calendar to be aligned with the European calendar so that we don't suffer so much in the middle of such an important competition as the Brazilian Championship. I'm even hoping for the European transfer window to close soon so I can better plan the team until the end of the competition," said Ney Franco.
Ney Franco's concerns are justified, especially since Flamengo is poised to be one of the clubs most affected by the opening of this international transfer window. Goalkeeper Bruno's contract expires on Saturday, and he's expected to play in Europe. Midfielder Renato is close to signing with Al-Gharafa in Qatar. Not to mention left-back Juan and midfielder Renato Augusto, the latter of whom is playing for the Brazilian U-20 team, which is competing in the U-XNUMX World Cup in Canada.
But while Flamengo is losing players, it's also planning to sign reinforcements, and the arrival of Argentine striker Maximiliano Biancucchi, cousin of Barcelona star midfielder Lionel Messi, is expected. Biancucchi played for Deportivo Luqueño in Paraguay and was advised by his agent not to play in the final round of the local tournament, scheduled for this weekend, to avoid injuries. He's expected to be unveiled as a reinforcement for the Rio de Janeiro club early next week and will sign a two-year contract, extendable for two more years.
On the field, Ney Franco continues preparing the team for next Wednesday's match at 16 p.m. (Brasília time) at Mineirão Stadium in Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, for the Brazilian Championship. Midfielder Léo Lima is expected to get a chance to fill Renato Augusto's spot in this match. Furthermore, if Renato is still on the roster, he could be used as a striker, as Souza will have to serve another one-game suspension following his sending-off in the 4-0 defeat to Figueirense.
"I believe this period without games is important so I can analyze the options I have for the team when some players considered starters are out. For example, we need to find an option for Renato Augusto, who isn't with the group. Many say I'm exaggerating, but this is precisely what should be done in times like these, when the team hasn't been playing and there are days left for training," said Ney Franco.
PeléNet'
Léo Lima renews his contract with Fla until the end of 2007\ Guilherme Toscano\
Midfielder Léo Lima, a starter for Flamengo in their 2-2 draw against Internacional, had his contract renewed until the end of the year this Thursday. The player said he was very pleased with the outcome of the negotiations:
"I'm happy, I wanted to stay here at Flamengo. I know I haven't shown what I did at other clubs yet, but now I'm in peak physical shape and I'm going to perform. I'm happy that Ney [Franco, coach] has placed his trust in me."
Flamengo's coach, in turn, made it clear that he intends to use the midfielder more in matches. According to Ney Franco, the player needs to gain more game rhythm to truly find his form at the red-and-black club:
"He's improved physically and technically, it's a bet we made. I expect a good performance from Léo Lima against Atlético-MG, to use him again against São Paulo and in other matches. He only needs a sequence of three or four games to find his place in the team."
Despite the good news of this renewal, Flamengo is still struggling to keep two of its key players: midfielder Renato and goalkeeper Bruno may be leaving. The team sits 17th in the Brazilian Championship, with six points, and is in the relegation zone.
Bruno's situation remains uncertain; Fla's vice president is hopeful\ Guilherme Toscano\
Goalkeeper Bruno's situation at Flamengo remains uncertain. Considered one of the best goalkeepers in the country today and, alongside midfielder Renato, one of the team's key players, the goalkeeper's contract expires on the 30th and is not expected to be automatically renewed.
The player's contract belongs to MSI, and the investment fund intends to negotiate his transfer with the foreign market to recoup the acquisition cost. According to the Rio de Janeiro club's vice president, Kleber Leite, there is hope that the player will remain with the team.
The director said that, in a conversation with Iranian businessman Kia Joorabchian, linked to the company, he had told him that if no concrete offers for Bruno emerged by next Friday, he could return to negotiating the renewal of his contract with Flamengo.
"We have to wait for Bruno's situation to be resolved. He can't play without a contract. Kia gave us a deadline, and we're trying to renew it. It's difficult, but it's a good cause," said the club's director this Thursday, also referring to the team's next match on July 4th.
Flamengo, currently 17th in the Brazilian Championship and in the relegation zone, will face Atlético-MG in Belo Horizonte. Diego, who wore the number 1 jersey until Bruno's debut in September 2006 in that year's Brazilian Championship, is expected to return to that position.
In training, Ney Franco once again uses Renato in attack\ Guilherme Toscano\
For the second day in a row, coach Ney Franco tested Flamengo's squad with midfielder Renato deployed as a makeshift attacker. In Thursday's training session, the starters defeated the reserves 1-0, with striker Leonardo scoring.
"I enjoyed today's training session [Thursday]. I started by stopping a lot, asking for pressure marking, and then I let it loose. This week has been very productive," said a satisfied coach, Ney Franco.
Despite the coach's good humor, the training session wasn't marked by high-quality plays. The starters' goal came from a poor clearance by the substitutes. It was a training session full of tough, highly competitive plays.
Ney Franco named Flamengo's starting lineup as Bruno; Luizinho, Irineu, Ronaldo Angelim, and Juan; Jailton, Léo Medeiros, Toró, and Léo Lima; and Renato and Leonardo. Claiton and Paulinho trained with the reserves. Leonardo Moura trained separately after feeling discomfort in his right thigh, but he is not a concern for the match against Atlético-MG.
Flamengo sits in 17th place in the Brazilian Championship with six points, within the relegation zone. The team returns to action on July 4th against Atlético-MG at Mineirão Stadium, seeking to regain its footing in the competition.
Midfielder Renato is guaranteed in Fla against Atlético-MG and São Paulo
Guilherme Toscano
Despite speculation about a possible transfer to Arab football, midfielder Renato is guaranteed a spot in Flamengo's next two games, against Atlético-MG and São Paulo. This information comes from coach Ney Franco.
"I spoke with Kleber Leite [the club's vice president of football] and he assured me that Renato will be available for at least these two games. The player himself also made this commitment," said the Flamengo coach.
The player's potential absence was a major concern for the club. Left-back Juan commented on Renato's importance to the red-and-black team:
"We miss him sorely. We had trouble getting along at the beginning, but now we're making good plays. He's a player whose style of play I know, how he likes to receive the ball, and he knows mine too. Renato is a role model for us."
Furthermore, the midfielder's presence gives Flamengo another good option, as Ney Franco said: "With Renato on the field, we now have more strength in set pieces."
Flamengo is 17th in the Brazilian Championship with six points. The red-and-black team returns to action on July 4th against Atlético-MG, aiming to escape the relegation zone.
BalloonSport
Team goes to Minas with 24 players
The trip will take place this Friday morning. The team will only return to Rio on the 8th.
GLOBOESPORTE.COM\ Flamengo coach Ney Franco with a new look after winning the state title\ Flamengo travels this Friday - five days before the match against Atlético Mineiro - to Belo Horizonte to begin its preparations. There will be 24 players who will be concentrated at Toca da Raposa 2, which belongs to Cruzeiro.\
Coach Ney Franco highlighted the importance of the training period in Minas Gerais and guaranteed that all the starters will be present.
"All the players are focused, even those who are targets of offers. They'll all be there, including Renato, who's guaranteed to play in both games against Atlético-MG and São Paulo. We'll be focused for almost a week, doing tactical, physical, and technical training. This will make it easier to develop our work," says Ney Franco.
According to the coach, the players understand the importance of a victory over Atlético Mineiro. Flamengo is currently 17th in the Brazilian Championship, leaving the relegation zone.
After the game in Belo Horizonte, the delegation will remain in the capital of Minas Gerais until Friday, when they will travel to São Paulo. On Saturday, they will face the São Paulo team at Morumbi Stadium and return to Rio the following day. In total, they will be away from home for nine days.
Ney Franco keeps Renato in attack
Coach likes team's performance in training this Thursday. Renato's side-eyeing his new role didn't help. This Thursday, Flamengo coach Ney Franco repeated the lineup that caused surprise last Wednesday. Renato continued as a striker for the Flamengo team in the 1-0 victory over the reserves, with Leonardo scoring.
At the end of the training session, Neymar was pleased with his performance. This is likely to be the team in the match against Atlético-MG next Wednesday at Mineirão Stadium.
"I continued the training. At the beginning of the training session, the players were more stationary, so I required more marking. In the end, I let them be more free to improve their physical fitness. I liked the training and the formation used," says Ney Franco.
The training lineup was Bruno, Leo Moura, Irineu, Ronaldo Angelim and Juan; Jaílton, Toró, Leo Medeiros and Leo Lima; Renato and Leonardo.
Until the 9th, Fla closes its doors to Arabs
At least until the end of the match against São Paulo, the club is not willing to negotiate with Renato Eduardo Peixoto. Flamengo is trying to delay Renato's almost inevitable departure. This Thursday, the club's vice president of football, Kléber Leite, said that, for now, he is not willing to talk to the Al-Nasr representative.
The manager wants to wait for the games against Atlético-MG (July 4th) and São Paulo (July 7th) to sit down at the table and listen to the proposal.
"This matter is not being discussed at this time. Negotiations are stalled, and I will only discuss this again on July 9th," Kléber declared.
Renato speaks in a farewell tone
Supporter says the outcome of the negotiations will be 'smooth and without stress'
Hours after GLOBOESPORTE.COM reported that Renato had signed a pre-contract with Al-Nasr of the United Arab Emirates, the player spoke out. In a statement issued by his press office, he didn't deny the information. However, out of respect for Flamengo, he preferred not to confirm it.
"Nothing is decided regarding my future at Flamengo. As vice president of football Kléber Leite has been saying for days, we will still sit down and hold a meeting, which will be attended by my representative (Claudio Guadagno). I am certain that the outcome will be peaceful and without any friction for either party," he declared.
He's worried about leaving with his image tarnished by the episode. Renato was upset by the leak and fears that the red-and-black fans will misunderstand him and think he's "lost focus" because of the impending negotiation.
Fla goes after internet star
Club sends delegation to Bahia to observe young Maycon Santana, 15 years old
Internet celebrity Maycon Santana, 15, will receive a special visit this Friday. Flamengo sent coach and former player Adílio to Bahia to observe the boy closely.
Watch the video!\ The delegation will also include Flavio Pereira, Fla's fundraising coordinator. If Maycon is approved, the team will propose that he move to Rio and begin training in the youth divisions.\
On May 24, GLOBOESPORTE.COM reported that Flamengo fans were mobilizing on the social networking site Orkut to suggest acquiring the boy. Apparently, their appeals were successful.
Throw
Fla travels to Belo Horizonte this Friday
Ney Franco guarantees the presence of even those who received an offer\ LANCEPRESS!\
Flamengo travels this Friday—five days before the match against Atlético Mineiro—to Belo Horizonte to begin its preparations. Twenty-four players will be based at Toca da Raposa 24, which belongs to Cruzeiro.
Coach Ney Franco highlighted the importance of the training period in Minas Gerais and guaranteed that all the starters will be present.
"All the players are focused, even those who are targets of offers. They'll all be there, including Renato, who is guaranteed to play in both games against Atlético-MG and São Paulo. We'll be focused for almost a week, doing tactical, physical, and technical training. This will make it easier to develop our work," Ney Franco observed.
According to the coach, the players understand the importance of a victory over Atlético Mineiro. Flamengo is currently 17th in the Brazilian Championship, leaving the relegation zone.
Renato, from Fla, says he did not sign a pre-contract
The red-black supporter, however, admits that he may leave the club
LANCEPRESS!
The information that Renato had signed a pre-contract with Al-Nasr, from the United Arab Emirates, was denied by the player himself, through his press office.
"I want to clarify that nothing is decided regarding my future at Flamengo. As vice president of football Kleber Leite has been saying for days, we will still sit down and hold a meeting, which will be attended by my representative. I'm certain the outcome will be peaceful and without any friction for either party," said the player, who hopes to resolve everything soon.
- I would like to say, once again, that as soon as my fate is resolved, I will make sure to communicate this to the press and Flamengo fans.
Internet success could appear at Flamengo
Fans requested the signing of the boy and the board will analyze him\ LANCEPRESS!\
Flamengo's board of directors sent two representatives, Adílio and Flávio Pereira, to the Bahian city of Adustina to meet Maycon Santana. The signing of the youngster, who will turn 15 in July, was requested by Flamengo fans on the social networking site Orkut, after watching his performances in a video also posted online.
In the nearly ten-minute video, Maycon demonstrates his skills both solo and in games. The video was produced by a local resident who was captivated by the boy's soccer skills and offered to help him. The video quickly became a hit on the website, having already received around 58 views as of Thursday.
Adilio, Flamengo's current youth coach, is the one who must approve or reject the boy's signing.
Internet star wants to play with Obina
Boy surprises and reveals that he is a fan of Portuguese Quaresma
Rodrigo Mandarini
Bahian Maycon Santana, who will be contacted by Flamengo this Friday, expressed enthusiasm for the opportunity he will receive to train with his beloved club. Although very shy, the boy let his imagination run wild while speaking firsthand with LANCENET!.
"I don't know the details yet. I dream of playing for Flamengo, I support Flamengo. If someone comes here, my mother will let me go to Rio. I want to get there and play soccer. Who knows, maybe I can even play alongside Obina," Maycon dreams.
A resident of the small town of Adustina in northeastern Bahia with a population of just over 14, Maycon is the third of four brothers. At 14, the boy is in the 4th grade. Until a few weeks ago, he worked in a mechanic's shop. However, the volume of work decreased, and he had to leave.
Despite not even having a phone at home, Maycon became famous after a video was shared on a website. According to him, the idea came from a friend, Alan. Now, with the visit of Flamengo representatives, he'll be able to go further than he ever imagined.
- I only know Salvador. I've never been to Rio, I don't know what it's like there - he admitted.
The talent demonstrated in the footage is natural. Maycon doesn't attend preschool, only playing pickup games with friends, including adults. During the recording, the ease with which he passed the markers was evident. A setup? Maycon assures us it wasn't:
"It wasn't agreed, no. I really know how to play. I'm inspired by Quaresma," the boy, a fan of the Portuguese attacking midfielder who plays for Porto, and also an admirer of Ronaldinho Gaúcho, said in surprise.
Among the red-black players, Maycon highlighted two:
- I like Leonardo Moura and Obina - said the darling's fellow countryman.
Maycon's mother, Elma, will speak with Flamengo's youth coach Adílio and legal coordinator Flavio Pereira this Friday. If an agreement is reached, Maycon will come to Rio in July for a series of tests.
Ney prepares the team for the comeback\ LANCEPRESS!\
Flamengo coach Ney Franco stated that this is a time to demand the best from a player. According to the coach, working this way will help the team find the path to victory.
Neymar once again explained the club's reasons for signing Argentine striker Maxi Biancucchi. The coach clarified that his relationship with Argentine Lionel Messi, who plays for Barcelona (ESP), did not influence the decision, as had been speculated.
"Maxi was hired based on a recommendation from someone close to the club. Based on his performance in the Paraguayan Championship, he deserves to play for Flamengo," he comments.
Fox's Den Becomes Vulture's Nest\ LANCEPRESS!\
With a constant fear of losing key players abroad, Flamengo travels to Belo Horizonte this Friday. The Rubro-Negro will train at Toca da Raposa, which could serve as a model for Ninho do Urubu, the Rio de Janeiro club's training center.
Midfielder Léo Medeiros considers Cruzeiro's training center to be the best in Brazil and hopes Flamengo follows in the Minas Gerais club's footsteps.
Rubro-Negro will face Atlético-MG next Wednesday, in Belo Horizonte.
Renato is cautious about his new position
Player believes this will not give him more chances to score goals
Renato doesn't really like Ney Franco's news (Credit: Paulo Wrencher)
LANCEPRESS! Supporter Renato believes that playing further forward doesn't help him get more scoring chances. The player, who was tested in attack in Wednesday's training session, could be used in his new position against Atlético-MG.
"Scoring goals doesn't make it easier to play up front. On the contrary, I play with my back to goal and I've never played that way. I'm used to playing facing goal," the player recalled.