THE GLOBE
Fla believes it will have a 'new' Josiel in 2009 \ Full-back Luizinho is released to sign a contract with Santos \ Considered one of Flamengo's biggest disappointments in 2008, striker Josiel is expected to get another chance at Flamengo. Yesterday, vice president of football Kleber Leite admitted he made a mistake with the player. \ "In the Arab world, there's little training and playing. So, you can't bring a player in mid-season. It's only fair that Josiel can do preseason training," said Kleber. \ Josiel was one of the players who could be made available for loan. He has a contract with Flamengo until mid-year. Sambueza, however, is expected to leave. Luizinho will face the same fate, having been released to sign with Santos. \ "We'll be clinical and not repeat mistakes. There are players coming up from the youth ranks that we can't afford to miss, like Fabrício (defender), Egídio (left-back), and Erick Flores (midfielder)," Kleber said. \ Leader responds to opposition criticism \ Yesterday, the director reacted to what he considers "low-level" actions by the club's opposition. He commented on details of the negotiations involving Kléberson, a target of suspicion from the opposition. \ "Kléberson was priced at 3,5 million. We negotiated and lowered it to 1,5 million, and then to 1,25 million. The Turkish club ordered the amount to be deposited into two accounts. We paid, and they issued a receipt," Kleber said. "Even Banco do Brasil has an account in the Cayman Islands. They indicated the account, and we paid when they issued a receipt." \ Regarding Renato Augusto, another deal criticized in the political battles at Gávea, Kleber alleged that, by selling 42% of the player, the club brought in Kléberson and paid part of the purchase of goalkeeper Bruno. Upon the transfer, the club received the remaining 58%. \
Jade vs. CBG dispute ends up in court \ Family wants to charge for treatment expenses \ Photo caption: JADE BARBOSA, during a training session at Flamengo, shortly after the Beijing Olympics: the family says they will take legal action against CBG for the costs of treatment on her right wrist. \ Frederico Soares () \ The alleged lack of interest from the Brazilian Gymnastics Confederation (CBG) in relation to Jade Barbosa's wrist injury will end up in court: the Flamengo gymnast's family decided to take legal action to recover the costs of treatment for the capitate bone (of the wrist), which was injured on the eve of the Olympic Games. \ "So far, the CBG hasn't contacted us to inquire about the treatment. Everything is being paid for by Jade's father (César Barbosa), and it's only fair that we pursue this matter in court. We've already hired a lawyer and will wait until the end of the year to take action," said Elisete Chagas, Jade's stepmother, without revealing the lawyer's name. \ Further proof that the split between Jade and the CBG is inevitable is the family's decision that the gymnast will not reappear for the permanent selection in Curitiba in January. The family reached this conclusion after the election of the organization's new president, Maria Luciene Cacho Resende, who was vice president during Vicélia Florenzano's administration. \ - Everything will remain the same, since the same people will be in charge - said Elisete. \ Stepmother Says Athlete Can Become a Professional in the US \ And, according to the family, if the CBG doesn't change its attitude toward Jade, the gymnast will permanently leave the national team. Even if it jeopardizes her career: \ "Jade already has invitations to perform in the United States. And there she would be a professional, making a living from gymnastics," concluded the athlete's stepmother. \ Vicélia Florenzano, president of the CBG until next February, had her cell phone turned off and could not be reached by reporters. Calls to the organization's doctor, Mário Namba, went straight to his answering machine, which said he would be on leave until the 5th. \ The day before yesterday, doctor Ricardo Laranjeira reported that a new examination of Jade Barbosa's right wrist had detected a "very critical condition" and that the case would be referred to a medical team in the United States. The gymnast competed in the Beijing Olympics last August on anti-inflammatories. \ () From Extra \
SPORTS JOURNAL
Ibson prefers to stay in Gávea
Rio de Janeiro - Bad news reached Gávea on Monday. Porto rejected the club's initial offer to acquire midfielder Ibson's federation rights. However, the club has a key ally. The player himself stated that he doesn't want to return to Portugal. Ibson recalled the disagreements he had with the Portuguese club's coach and believes he won't have a chance to play if he returns.\ "I don't want to go back there. I have a problem with the coach, everyone knows that, and I don't think I'll have any chance to play. And a player has to always be playing and showing their worth," he says.\ The athlete expressed his delight at Flamengo's desire to sign him. He also emphasized his love for the club he's been with for nine years.\ "My agent and my father are in charge of the negotiations. I'm very happy with Flamengo's desire. I've been here since I was nine, and it's impossible not to love this club. But I have six months left on my contract with Flamengo, and I'm waiting," he says.\
Williams signs contract this Monday
Rio de Janeiro - Flamengo's second signing for next season, midfielder Willians, formerly of Santo André, will arrive in Rio this Monday to sign a one-year contract with the club. At 22, the player is excited about this first opportunity to play for a major club in his career.
"My agent said we're going to Rio this Monday. I have the highest expectations possible. I know Flamengo is a renowned club, with a wonderful fan base and many titles," he says.
Willians hopes to be the balance point in Cuca's scheme and believes in the coach's success leading the Rubro-Negro.
"I enjoy playing as a holding midfielder or defensive midfielder. I'm dedicated to marking, and I want to earn my place. I have faith that Cuca will lead Flamengo to many victories in 2009," he comments.
THE DAY
Doctors don't know how to treat Jade Barbosa's injury
Rio - Gymnast Jade Barbosa's serious injury still has no defined treatment. Orthopedic surgeon Ricardo Laranjeira explained that rest to treat osteonecrosis (bone death due to lack of blood flow) of the athlete's right wrist capitate was ineffective, and doctors have not reached an agreement on the next step.
The plan is to see a specialist in Miami, but surgery isn't ruled out either. "The bone is dead, and there's nothing we can do about it," Laranjeira said, explaining that the gymnast's case is rare, complex, serious, and difficult to treat.
In the case of a gymnast, in addition to the pain, there is a risk of the problem spreading to the other bones with which the capitate makes contact.”
Laranjeira said that the professionals at the Rio Hand Clinic, where he works, have a good relationship with orthopedist Alejandro Badia of the Miami Hand Center. "The idea is to reach a consensus on the treatment method, since, as this is a rare case, there is no unanimity." According to him, Jade may undergo surgery or receive conservative treatment, with only physical therapy and medication.
Adriano rules out returning to Flamengo
Rio - Emperor Adriano, the dream of Flamengo's board, yesterday put an end to the possibility of wearing the Rubro-Negra shirt again next season.
"I really like Flamengo, I grew up there, and I've already said that when I return to Brazil, it will be to Gávea. But I don't think it will be now. I haven't said anything about leaving Internazionale. I'll rejoin. If I have to leave, I have options, but I'll probably stay in Europe," said the striker, who played a kickabout yesterday at Leme.
Flamengo also received some bad news regarding Íbson. Porto rejected their initial offer to loan the player permanently. This meant the midfielder would have to return to Portugal midway through the year, when his contract expires. The player didn't hide his frustration and said he intends to stay at Gávea.
The red-black board began to move last week, when the player's agent suggested a trade for Richarlyson, from São Paulo. \ But the idea was rejected, and the Rubro-Negro presented an offer to the Portuguese club in recent days. The amount offered, however, was well below Porto's asking price, which is only negotiating the midfielder for around R$13 million. \
"I'm happy about Flamengo's interest, which is the club I love and where I started when I was 9 years old. I have issues with Porto's current coach, and if I returned with him still there, I wouldn't have a chance to play. Let's wait another six months and see what happens," said Íbson, who yesterday organized a charity match to help flood victims in Santa Catarina and the interior of Rio de Janeiro.
Right-back Luizinho left the club yesterday and signed with Santos. Sambueza will also leave.
SPORTS GAZETTE
Kleber Leite: Flamengo found a “Japan after the war”\ Gazeta Press\
Rio de Janeiro (RJ) - Flamengo's vice president, Kleber Leite, stated that the current board has been finding it very difficult to hire players because it found a 'Japan after the war' and inherited debts from previous administrations, such as Gamarra's, which recently went to court and the club is being forced to pay off the debt, which minimizes the capacity for more expensive investments.
Despite all the financial problems, the director believes that Flamengo has achieved very impressive results in recent years. "When we took over in 2005, Flamengo was threatened with relegation to the second division. Since then, we have won two state titles, a Brazilian Cup and played in two Copa Libertadores. In other words, the balance is positive and the crowd You can trust this group that will face 2009 with the same thirst for achievements,” he stated.
For the director, Flamengo can surpass Flu in titles\ Gazeta Press\
Rio de Janeiro (RJ) - Flamengo has no plans to make any significant signings for next season. This information comes from vice-president Kléber Leite, who predicts a difficult year for clubs due to the global financial crisis. The director said the club will only make specific signings, that is, when coach Cuca requests a player for a specific position.
Leite believes that Flamengo's squad is capable of competing in next year's competitions, with a real chance of winning titles. For Kleber Leite, the team's strength can already be measured in championship state championship, when Flamengo, in addition to seeking another three-peat, will have the chance to surpass Fluminense in the number of regional titles. Currently, the two clubs are tied with 30 titles.
Kleber also clarified that Adriano's signing is very difficult, as previously announced by businessman Gilmar Rinaldi. The Flamengo vice president explained that Gilmar's stance is the same as that of Flamengo's board, as the former goalkeeper has free rein at Gávea and if negotiations with the Emperor were possible, he would be the first to announce it.
PELENET
Fla's first proposal for Ibson is not accepted by Porto-POR
From UOL Esporte\ In Rio de Janeiro\
Flamengo has been trying everything to secure Ibson's permanent transfer to the club. However, the Rio de Janeiro board has yet to succeed. The Brazilians were unsuccessful in their first attempt to purchase the midfielder's federation rights, which belong to Porto in Portugal.
Ibson is on loan to Flamengo until the middle of next year. For Flamengo to permanently retain the player, the board must pay Porto approximately €4,5 million. The first attempt, with a lower than expected amount, resulted in a "no" from the Brazilians.\ "Now I have to wait. My mind is focused on the next six months wearing the Flamengo shirt. I'm leaving this whole situation to be resolved by my agent and my father," said Ibson.\ Despite focusing solely on next season, the Flamengo player still took stock of the year. Flamengo won the State Championship, was eliminated in the round of 16 of the Copa Libertadores da América, and finished fifth in the Brazilian Championship.\ "Well, a lot happened. We had a good year, but unfortunately we didn't qualify for the Libertadores. We'll try to bounce back in 2009," Ibson concluded in an interview with Rádio Globo. \
Sambueza may not play for Flamengo in 2009
From UOL Esporte\ In Rio de Janeiro\
Sambueza's contract with Flamengo runs until the end of June 2009. However, the Argentine midfielder may not remain at Gávea starting in January. This is because the Flamengo board is considering returning him to River Plate-ARG, which holds his federation rights.
The situation, however, is only expected to be resolved after the holiday season. "There's nothing yet regarding Sambueza. We'll talk later," Flamengo's vice president of football, Kleber Leite, told UOL Esporte.\ Rubens Omar Sambueza, 24, arrived at Flamengo during the Brazilian Championship. During his short time at Gávea, the Argentine midfielder played only seven matches, without scoring a single goal.\ Besides Flamengo and River Plate, Sambueza has played for Pumas in Mexico. Chilean midfielder Fierro and Argentine striker Maxi Biancucchi are the club's other two foreign players.\
With no space at Flamengo, Luizinho must reinforce Santos
Fernando Prandi\ In Santos\
Monday is a day of signings at Vila Belmiro. After confirming midfielder Germano, Santos has practically signed right-back Luizinho, who was Leonardo Moura's backup at Flamengo and played in a few Brazilian Championship matches. \ The Vila Belmiro club's press office confirmed the negotiations but denied they had been finalized. This is because the athlete has not yet completed his medical exams, which are expected to take place this Tuesday. \ The player's federation rights are tied to Cruzeiro, which gave the club priority in renewing his contract. However, Flamengo decided not to continue with Luizinho.\ "The tendency is that Luizinho won't stay. We have other projects and in football, as in life, everything has its time to mature," said Kléber Leite, vice president of football at the Rio de Janeiro club.\ Before joining Flamengo and Cruzeiro, he played for clubs in Minas Gerais, having a stint with Nacional in Portugal in 2005, and also playing for Santa Cruz-PE. His resume includes two Minas Gerais state championships, won in 2006 with Ipatinga and in 2007 with Cruzeiro.\ Luizinho is expected to replace Wendel, who played in the national championship for Santos, but his federation rights are tied to Palmeiras, which is unlikely to renew the player's loan.\ At 26 years of age, Luizinho will be Santos' fifth reinforcement for 2009. In addition to him and Germano, announced this Monday, the coastal team signed midfielders Madson and Lucio Flavio and left-back Triguinho.\
GLOBOESPORTE
Game organized by Ibson ends in a draw, but with many reasons to celebrate
Alongside goalkeeper Diego, Flamengo midfielder manages to collect 56 tons of food to be donated
Fred Huber Niterói (RJ)
Players pose for a photo before the match starts
The party organized by players Ibson and Diego, from Flamengo, brought together many football fans and supporters at a club in Niterói, Rio de Janeiro. The goal of the red-and-blacks was to collect food to donate to underprivileged communities and flood victims in Santa Catarina and northern Rio de Janeiro. In total, 56 tons will be distributed. \ On the field, many stars participated in the lively match, which ended in a 12-12 draw. The white team had, among others, Ibson, Luizinho, Diego, Fellype Gabriel, Leandro (former full-back)Palmeiras) and Júnior (former midfielder for Fla and Grêmio). The blue team had Renato Augusto, André Lima (from São Paulo), Luiz Alberto and Marcelo Lomba. André Lima, who scored five goals, and Renato Augusto, who scored one from midfield, stood out. MC Serginho, who played for Ibson's team, scored three goals and lifted the crowd. \ Some famous players attended the event but didn't play, such as the short Romário and goalkeeper Júlio César, who arrived by helicopter. The background music was as every football fan loves it: lots of samba and funk. \ In the preliminary, Flamengo's Master, led by Adílio and midfielder Nélio, beat Flamengo's Botafogo by 3 to 1. At Alvinegro, Maurício and Mendonça were present.\
Flamengo's proposal to permanently retain Ibson doesn't please Porto
Player says the only thing he can do now is wait
Fred Huber Niterói, RJ
Ibson says he is not worried about this moment of uncertainty regarding his contract.
The leaders of Porto they didn't like the first proposal made by Flamengo, last Friday, to acquire midfielder Ibson permanently. The player is on loan until July 4, 2009, and after that date he will have to report back to Portugal if the clubs cannot reach an agreement.
Host of a charity match this Monday, in Niterói, Rio de Janeiro, Ibson said he will not worry about the matter at the moment. \ "Now we just have to wait. I have six more months on my contract with Flamengo. When it's almost up, we'll sit down and talk." \ The player said that his agent, Eduardo Uram, and his father, Laís, will look after his interests in the negotiation.\
Adriano admits he's thinking about leaving Inter, but rules out returning to Flamengo
The Emperor will reappear on the 2nd and wants to resolve the future quickly.
Thiago Lavinas Rio de Janeiro
Adriano attends party in Leme
Adriano admitted this Tuesday that he is uncomfortable with his situation in italian football, but also ruled out any possibility of coming to play in FlamengoThe striker hopes to be used again by coach José Mourinho at Inter Milan or to be transferred to another European club during the January transfer window. \ Adriano was at Leme beach late in the afternoon to watch a match organized by his friend Júnior Negão. The Emperor was merely a spectator and didn't actually join in the fun. He leaves for Milan next Thursday, as his return match is scheduled for the 2nd. \ "I won't tell you I'm not happy. But I had some difficulties there. I'm quite calm now. I've been in Italy for eight years. It might be better if I left, just like the coach and the president himself said. But they really want me to come back, to stay and play. I know my potential and I want to show it to everyone. If not in Italy, it will be somewhere else." \ Regarding Flamengo's interest, Adriano considers it very difficult to return to Brazilian football at this time. He doesn't know where the reports that he's close to signing with the Rio de Janeiro club came from. \ - There's nothing. It must be because I once said that if I returned to Brazil, it would be to play for Flamengo. But for now, there's nothing like that. I have the greatest affection for Flamengo. For the fans, for the president, but there's nothing like that. \ Adriano admitted that he will need time to regain his fitness when he returns to Inter Milan. \ - I haven't played for a month now. And when that happens, you lose a bit of fitness, which is normal too. But I can recover quickly. \ Although coach José Mourinho has made it clear in recent interviews that he no longer counts on Adriano for the rest of the season, the striker said he has been talking to him over the past two weeks, during his time in Brazil. \ "He wants me to come back until he sorts this out. I'm fine, I've had a lot of rest and enjoyed my family." \ About Brazilian Team, Adriano hopes to remain in Dunga's group.\ "I have to think first about playing well to return to the Brazilian national team. Dunga has a lot of affection for me. If I play well, it will happen, and I will fight for my place. I hope next year is the best it can be."\
Luizinho is very close to leaving Flamengo for Santos
Rubro-Negro gives up on renewal, and right-back undergoes tests at Vila
Paula Ab and Pedro Veríssimo Sao Paulo and Rio de Janeiro
Luizinho in action with the Flamengo shirt
Right-back Luizinho will not wear the shirt of Flamengo next season. The player is almost certain with the Santos to reinforce the Vila Belmiro team in 2009. He has already been released by the red-black board and travels this Tuesday to undergo tests.
Luizinho's deal with Peixe depended, among other things, on the red-black endorsement, since Cruzeiro, owner of the player's federative rights, gave priority to a possible renewal with Flamengo.
Santos' football director, Ocimar Bolicenho, and Luzinho himself confirmed the trip and the proximity of the agreement.
"We've been talking to him for a week. But it was up to Cruzeiro, who told us Flamengo was their first option. Since Flamengo backed out, we signed him. We're arranging for Luizinho to take a medical tomorrow to make his signing official."
"Everything is fine, and I'm traveling to Santos this Tuesday to take the tests. If everything goes well, I'll sign soon," the player explains.
Luizinho played for Flamengo in eight matches in the 2008 Brasileirão and was discovered by Guarani-MG. The 26-year-old full-back has also had spells at Cruzeiro e Ipatinga and Santa Cruz, among other clubs.
Zico reveals agreement with CSKA. Agreement still pending between Russian club and Bunyodkor
The official announcement of the coach's hiring may be made at any time by the Moscow team.
GLOBOESPORTE.COM Rio de Janeiro
Zico arrived at Bunyodkor in September and was national champion in Uzbekistan
Zico's destination in 2009 is likely to be CSKA Moscow. The coach revealed that he has already finalized all the details with both the Russian club and Bunyodkor, the Uzbek team with which he still has a contract. Galinho says that now all that's missing is an agreement between the clubs regarding the termination of the contract. \ "I no longer have anything to agree with CSKA and Bunyodkor. The only pending issue now is between the two clubs," the coach told GLOBOESPORTE.COM. \ Zico arrived at Bunyodkor in September and won the Uzbekistan Cup and Uzbek Championship titles with the club.\
CSKA, in turn, parted ways with coach Valery Gazzaev at the end of the Russian season (which ends in December). The team finished as national runner-up (with a spot in the next Champions League) and has qualified for the knockout stages of the current UEFA Cup.
THROW
Adriano says he will return to Internazionale
Emperor guarantees he wants to stay at the Italian club. \ But if he leaves, the striker should stay in Europe.\
Adriano will return to Internazionale in January (Credit: EFE)
Rodrigo Mendes RIO DE JANEIRO \ \
Striker Adriano attended a friendly match organized by former beach soccer player Júnior Negão on Tuesday at Leme Beach in Rio de Janeiro's South Zone. The player discussed his potential future for next year, and to the disappointment of the red-and-black fans, he never mentioned returning to Brazil.
"I haven't said anything about leaving Inter. I'm going back there to rejoin the team. If I have to leave, I have many options, but I'll probably stay in Europe," the player said.
The Italian club's return will be on January 2. Adriano even said he shouldn't leave Inter Milan because he has a good relationship with the team's coach, José Mourinho.
"I get along really well with him. I think he'll let me play. He's a very sincere person," he admitted.
The red-and-black fans' dream of having Adriano this season probably won't come true. But the player assures that one day he will return to the Gávea club.
"I really like Flamengo. I grew up there, and I've said that if I returned to Brazil, it would be Flamengo. But I don't think it will be now," he concluded.
if (!(partnerdomain)){OAS_AD('x10');}André Lima does not rule out a move to Flamengo
The striker, however, says his priority is to stay at São Paulo.
André Lima has not yet defined his future
LANCEPRESS!
With a recurring problem with center forwards, Flamengo showed interest in André Lima, who was Brazilian champion with São Paulo and shone for Botafogo in 2007. The biggest obstacle to the negotiation happening is the fact that the player has to return to Hertha Berlin (GER) in the middle of the year.\ André Lima, however, doesn't consider the possibility of playing in Gávea next year to be unreasonable. He's confident he'll shine again in 2009.\ "I'm thinking of reporting back to São Paulo on the 12th, but I'm not ruling out a move to Flamengo. These six months I have in Brazil will probably make things difficult, as everyone wants longer contracts. I just know that 2009 will be my year. I have to kick ass again," he declared.\
The Tricolor Paulista striker participated in a charity friendly organized by Ibson and was the star of the event with five goals. The match ended 12-12, and 56 tons of food were donated to underprivileged communities in Niterói and São Gonçalo, Rio de Janeiro.
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Luizinho leaves Flamengo to sign with Santos
Right-back felt undervalued at Gávea and decided to head to Peixe
Luizinho will play in the Paulistão for Santos
Cassius Leitão IN RIO
Luizinho is no longer part of Flamengo's plans. The difference between the salary offered and what the player requested made it difficult for him to stay at Flamengo. As a result, the player reached an agreement with Santos, who presented him with a better offer.
"I don't think Flamengo wanted to renew. I received this offer from Santos and signed with them. I appreciate the opportunity, but I have to decide what's best for me," said the full-back, who will report to Vila Belmiro this Tuesday for medical examinations.
Léo Moura is now the only right-back in the squad. The board has not yet announced any reinforcements for the position.\ The Santos board's dream remains signing Vitor from Goiás. President Marcelo Teixeira has been in talks with the Goiás president to secure the player's release, but negotiations are proving complicated. The Goiás club is demanding a fortune for this year's Brasileirão standout.\
The transaction is expected to be worth around R$3 million. For this amount, Grupo Sonda, the club's partner, would be willing to finance Vitor's signing. Therefore, the partner is awaiting a decision from the Santos board on this matter.
Ibson and Diego give a thrashing of solidarity
Flamengo players play charity match in Niterói
Ibson scored a goal and donated 56 tons of food (Credit: Júlio César Guimarães)
Cassius Leitão IN RIO
In a charity match organized by Flamengo's Ibson and Diego, solidarity prevailed. Around 56 tons of food were collected and will be donated to underprivileged communities in Niterói and São Gonçalo.
Romário was in attendance at the party, but Baixinho didn't take the field. Artists and other soccer players, such as Fellype Gabriel and defender Luiz Alberto, also contributed to the event. In a relaxed atmosphere, the friendly match ended in a 12-12 draw between the blue team, led by Renato Augusto, and the white team, led by the host Ibson.
The star of the game was São Paulo striker André Lima, who scored five goals for the blue team. Renato Augusto added two more, one of them spectacular: a shot from behind the midfield, lobbing the goalkeeper. Ibson scored one of the goals for the white team, whose standout performance was MC Serginho, who scored three goals and celebrated the crowd that filled the dirt field at Combinado 5 de Julho in Niterói.
Others who were present at the party: Júlio César, from Internazionale (did not play), Luizinho (Santos), Júnior (ex-Flamengo), Leandro (ex-Palmeiras), Léo Mattos (Figueirense), Marcelo Lomba (Flamengo) and Ânderson (ex-Flamengo).
In the preliminary round, Flamengo Masters defeated Botafogo Masters 3-1. On the red-and-black side, Nélio and Adílio were the best known. On the black-and-white side, Mendonça and Maurício stood out.
CREDITS:\ WHITE TEAM (IBSON) 12 X 12 WHITE TEAM (RENATO AUGUSTO)\
Location: Combining July 5th, Niterói (RJ)\ Date/time: 29/2/2005 - 20:15 PM (Brasília time)\ Referee: Edilson Soares da Silva (RJ)\
GOALS: Flavinho Silva, ex-Group 100% (0-1); André Lima (0-2); Junior (1-2), Luiz Alberto (1-3); Rogerinho, from Revelação (2-3); André Lima (2-4); André Lima (2-5); Fellype Gabriel (3-5); André Lima (3-6); Fellype Gabriel (4-6); Gérson Dupan, ex-Group Kiloucura (5-6); André Lima (5-7); Renato Augusto (5-8); Marcelo Lomba (5-9); Renato Augusto (5-10); Mc Serginho (6-10); Franklin (6-11); Junior (7-11); Flavinho Silva, ex-Group 100% (7-12); Mc Serginho (8-12); Mc Serginho (9-12); Junior (10-12); Ibson (11-12) and Fellype Gabriel (12-12).
WHITE TEAM: Diego, Luizinho, Leandro, Mc Serginho, Fellype Gabriel, Junior, Rogerinho, Gérson Dupan, Ginho (ex-Só no Sapatinho).
BLUE TEAM: Robertinho, Marcelo Lomba, Renato Augusto, Luiz Alberto Ânderson, Flavinho Silva, Mauro Júnior (Revelation Group); Agustinho (ex-BBB), Franklin and André Lima.
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Zico confirms negotiations with CSKA Moscow
Brazilian coach says the biggest obstacle is the release of Bunyodkor
Zico awaits clearance from Bunyodkor's directors to go to Russia
César Guimarães and Miguel Yen
Brazilian coach Zico, in an interview with LANCENET!, confirmed this Monday that he is in negotiations with CSKA Moscow to take over the Russian team soon.
According to the coach, with the release from his current club, Bunyodkor of Uzbekistan, the chances of signing with the Russian club are very good. Zico, whose contract runs until the end of 2009, has already informed Bunyodkor's directors of his desire to transfer.
"CSKA has been interested since August. If they can secure my release without causing any problems, we have a good chance of closing the deal. I'll sort everything out here in Brazil, but my lawyer will travel to resolve the matter," Zico told LANCENET!.
Regarding his future at the Russian club, Zico made a point of saying that the UEFA Cup competition made him think about changing clubs.
"Competing in a European competition is motivating. However, there are still a few things to be determined. I'd like to sign a longer contract, at least two years, so I can carry out my work more smoothly," he concluded.
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Willians will arrive in Rio de Janeiro this Tuesday
The midfielder had personal issues and postponed his presentation. He will undergo medical examinations before signing with Flamengo.
Willians had personal problems and postponed his arrival
LANCEPRESS!
Midfielder Willians, Flamengo's new signing for next season, will only report to the club this Tuesday. He was scheduled to arrive in Rio de Janeiro this Monday, but the defensive midfielder had some personal issues and postponed his arrival in Rio de Janeiro.
This Tuesday, the defensive midfielder will undergo medical examinations and sign a contract with the Gávea club. Afterwards, Willians will return to Santos, a city on the coast of São Paulo, where he will spend New Year's Eve with his family. He is not expected back in Gávea until the 7th, the date of the red-and-black squad's presentation. On the same day, the defensive midfielder is expected to be officially presented by the board.
Willians is one of two signings Flamengo's board has agreed to sign for next season. The other is defender Douglas. Both players played for Santo André in the 2008 Série B.
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Léo Moura: 'My contract is at European level'
Satisfied at Fla, the defender says he would only consider leaving Rubro-Negro for Europe
Léo Moura took this photo with an iguana on Saturday, in Natal (RN), where he is on vacation
Cassius Leitao RIO DE JANEIRO \ \
Erich Onida RIO DE JANEIRO
From 1999, when he began his professional career, until 2004, Leonardo Moura never stayed with the same club for more than a year. All it took was wearing the jersey of his favorite club to achieve a streak. It's no surprise that this year he was called up to the Brazilian national team for the first time.
At Flamengo since 2005, the right-back, voted the best in his position in the last two Brazilian Championships, would only consider leaving the Rubro-Negro for Europe (where he played in three countries) if he received a "spectacular offer." Especially since his three-year contract extension, he assures, was based on European standards.
Léo Moura, who is enjoying his vacation in Natal, Rio Grande do Norte, gave this interview to LANCENET!. Read the full interview:
L!NET: How do you analyze Flamengo's 2008 year?\ Leonardo Moura: 2008, even though we didn't qualify for the Libertadores, I believe it was a positive year. Of course, it wasn't the year we wanted, even with the Rio title and leading much of the Brazilian Championship. We then fell a bit, but we're back in contention. There's something positive to be learned from this year. If Flamengo has a strong squad and wants to make it, I think they can.\
L!NET: Could it be said that it was your best year, having made it to the National Team?\ LM: This year, along with last year, were my best years at Flamengo. From now on, I can only grow and continue playing well. I think this will only happen with the help of my teammates. And for that to happen, Flamengo needs a strong group. So, I hope that everyone can stay until the start of the championship so that we can have a strong start to the year and I can maintain this consistency as well.\
L!NET: At Fla since 2005, you were champion of the Copa do Brasil in 2006 and the Carioca in 2007 and 2008, the only titles in your career, which began in 1999. What are your plans for 2009?\ LM: I want the year to start off on the right foot. Winning the title in the first championship is already very important; it builds confidence. In addition to the State Championship, Flamengo will compete in the Copa do Brasil again, the Copa Sudamericana, and the Brazilian Championship. We'll have major competitions to compete for and win the necessary titles. And returning to the Libertadores is what we want most. Of course, it's still a long way off before we can talk about the Brazilian Championship, but starting the year with the Rio title will be important.\
L!NET: Your stability at Rubro-Negro is impressive. You've never stayed at the same club for so long... Did the fact that it's your favorite club weigh on you?\ LM: It was a factor for the club and the situation. It was time for me to make my choice. Flamengo is my childhood club, where I was welcomed with open arms by everyone, without exception: the doorman, the board, the coaches, the players... Not to mention the fans, who have always shown immense affection for me, not only in Rio, but wherever I go. All of this made me stay. And by the time my contract was about to end, now in 2008, I had already renewed it for another three years, until 2011. And this contract gives me even more peace of mind. And that weighs heavily when I'm considering whether or not to go abroad.\
L!NET: What can we expect from Cuca at the helm of Flamengo?\ LM: I've never had the pleasure of working with Cuca; I've only played against him a few times. But from what I've seen, he's a great coach with enormous potential, and I'm sure he'll come to Flamengo just to help and pursue titles, just like us players.\
L!NET: Were you and Juan the best full-back duo in Brazilian football today? The team loses a lot without you...\ LM: Speaking for myself, I'm very happy about this, and I believe Juan is too, because when you see that your opponents care deeply about you, it's a sign that you're doing your job, doing your part, and that you're important to the team. I know our importance at Flamengo is great, but I'm sad because we can't just depend on the full-backs, we have to depend on the whole team. And sometimes we'd see a game, when Juan or I weren't playing, and the team would feel it a little. So, this has to start changing; it needs to be different.\
L!NET: You were named the best right-back in the last two Brazilian Championships. What do you need to do to establish yourself on the Brazilian national team?\ LM: I'm missing an opportunity. In the one I had, I showed I have what it takes to play for the national team. I worked hard to get there, and when I was there, I'm sure I didn't disappoint. But I'll keep working so other opportunities come my way. And I'm happy to have received this award for best right-back yet again, among so many excellent players in the position. It's a source of pride. And even more so, it shows I have the potential to play for the national team again, always respecting, of course, the coach's decision.\
L!NET: Are Maicon, Daniel Alves, and Rafinha on a level above you? Tell us a little about the three of them.\ LM: They are three players with great potential. I was with Rafinha on the national team. In the game I was called up for, against Ireland, I even started, and he was a substitute. Maicon is a full-back who has stood out for his team, as has Daniel, who once excelled at Sevilla and is now at Barcelona. I believe the coach's choice will be very difficult. Of course, he will call up whoever is best at the moment. I can't sit here lamenting that I wasn't called up. I just have to work even harder so that the opportunity arises again, so I can once again show Dunga and Jorginho that I deserve to be on the national team.\
L!NET: You've played for Belgium, the Netherlands, when you were still young, and Portugal, more recently. What did you need to do to make it in European football? Is it still a dream to return and play for a major European club?\ LM: These were different moments in my life. I went to Europe when I was 18, returned when I was 21. Then, I went to Portugal in 2005, where things didn't go as planned. That's why I returned to Brazil. But today, I'll only leave here for something very special, spectacular, because my contract with Flamengo is a European contract. I'm settled here, close to my family, my fiancée... Even with the distance, close to my daughter. To leave here, I'll have to have something truly worthwhile.\
L!NET: While everyone is signing, Flamengo has only signed two players from Santo André so far. On the other hand, they're managing to maintain their youth academy. So, can we say the team is the favorite for the Carioca?\ LM: We can't think like favorites, no. Whenever a team enters like this, it always gets complicated. Flamengo has to enter with the mindset of winning titles, to become even stronger in the following championships, earning even more respect from its opponents.\
L!NET: What's your analysis of the teams your Rio rivals are putting together? Have you been following the market's movements?\ LM: Even with all the financial difficulties the country faces today, clubs are looking, within their limits and means, to sign players. Fluminense is trying, chasing; Botafogo is bringing in excellent players, like Reinaldo; Vasco is trying its own way to sign players, struggling after being relegated to the Brazilian Second Division; and Flamengo brought in a new coach and two more players. But it's what I always say: there's no point in bringing in a bunch of players, but for the position that really needs them, there's no one. The signings need to be accurate, targeted, for the positions that truly need great players, because this is Flamengo.\
L!NET: What is the biggest club in Brazilian football today? Why?\ LM: Without a doubt, even with the difficulties, clubs like São Paulo and Cruzeiro have cash flow today, especially because they also sell. This makes it easier for the club, along with marketing and other ways to generate revenue. Rio clubs need to structure themselves this way to avoid financial difficulties, as sometimes happens. Clubs like the ones I mentioned are ahead because they prepare.\
L!NET: Tell us a little about your time at São Paulo in 2003.\ LM: I was a starter under Oswaldo, played for the Paulista title, and we finished runner-up. Soon after, I got injured and had a problem with my pubic bone. Since I was away from my family, I thought it best to return to Rio. With that in mind, the offer to come to Fluminense came up, with Romário's recommendation. And with the team they were building, it was interesting for me. Having gone through the most difficult moment of my career, which was this injury, I already wanted to return to Rio, coupled with this invitation from Romário and Celso Barros (president of Unimed), two people for whom I have enormous affection and gratitude to this day. So, I didn't think twice.\
LNET: You received an offer from Palmeiras at the end of the year. Didn't you like it?\ LM: I got the invitation, I can't deny it. And I'm happy to have received it from Vanderlei and Palmeiras. It shows that my football has been well received. But the moment it reached Kléber Leite, he didn't think twice and declined to negotiate with me. Even so, I was pleased by the affection and admiration my work has generated.\