O Globo\ Fla disfigured in Renato's farewell\
SÃO PAULO. Not counting Renato Augusto, who has been out for some time, Flamengo was already without Bruno, Juan, and now Leonardo Moura, who felt pain in his right thigh and was ruled out – Luizinho comes in. And so, with a disfigured team, Flamengo will try to break a five-match winless streak (or 18 days) and escape the relegation zone against second-place São Paulo at 10:48 p.m. at Morumbi Stadium, in Renato's farewell match.
The standby for goalkeeper Bruno's possible release from the squad was futile. MSI, the company that owns his rights, authorized Atlético-MG to extend his loan, didn't arrive in time. Furthermore, the goalkeeper was renegotiating his contract, which will be registered with the CBF on Monday. He's theoretically on contract until December.
Today, coach Ney Franco will have Souza back in attack. The big man, who missed four of the team's six matches in this Brazilian Championship due to injuries and suspensions, is struggling with a goal drought. His last goal came on May 6th against Botafogo in the State Championship final.
Souza may soon have more help in attack. In addition to Argentine Maxi, who begins training on Monday, Nilmar's good recovery has rekindled the dream of signing the striker, which still depends on his release from Corinthians. For midfield, to fill in for Paulinho's likely departure to Israeli football, the club is expected to announce the signing of midfielder Ibson this Monday.
Referee: Evandro Roman (PR).
TRANSMISSION:\ Premiere, Sportv and Rádios Globo and CBN\
Sports Journal
Captain Renato says goodbye to Fla
Supporter faces São Paulo, at Morumbi, but does not comment on his transfer to Al-Nasr
Leo Schabbach
A symbol of tenacity, Renato is expected to wear the red-and-black jersey for the last time. His departure from Gávea is considered a certainty.
In a game that could mark the farewell of one of Flamengo's fan favorites, Flamengo will need to take the field today at 18:10 PM against São Paulo at Morumbi Stadium, focused solely on victory to escape the relegation zone in the Brazilian Championship. Because the team won't return to action until July 19th against Paraná after the match against São Paulo, it's very likely that midfielder Renato has already finalized his transfer to Al-Nasr, a club in the United Arab Emirates.
Therefore, this may be the last opportunity for Flamengo to play with the player who, since his arrival, has stood out for his powerful left-footed shot and a strong connection with the fans. The midfielder, the team's top scorer in 2005 and 2006, as well as this season's top scorer, with 13 goals, is one of Flamengo's weapons for today's match. And, despite the strong possibility of Renato leaving the club, there's no doubt he'll give his all on the field and demonstrate the fighting spirit that endeared him to the fans.
"It's unethical for me to comment on anything about my departure, as nothing is finalized yet. I'm only thinking about the game against São Paulo," said the player.
Renato also revealed his joy at returning to action against Atlético Mineiro, having been out of action since June 3rd, having missed the matches against Figueirense and Internacional. He also commented on his desire to score again, making it clear that his preference is to find the net from free kicks.
"It was great to come back against Atlético. I hadn't played in a month. I hope to score from a set piece. The match will be difficult, but I hope we can have a good performance and a good result," he said.
Now, all that's left for coach Ney Franco to do is decide on Renato's position: whether he'll play as a makeshift attacker or in midfield, where he feels most comfortable and performs best. At right back, Ney has chosen Luizinho in place of Léo Moura, who didn't train due to pain in his right thigh.
Bruno renews with Rubro-Negro until December
Bruno, according to Kleber Leite, is renewing his contract until December. However, he will not face São Paulo.
As reported by JORNAL DOS SPORTS in last Wednesday's edition, goalkeeper Bruno had not confirmed his departure from Flamengo when he left the training camp on the eve of the match against Atlético-MG. Although there is speculation about Zaragoza's possible interest in the player, as negotiations have not yet taken off, MSI's investors opted to accept Flamengo's renewal offer.
Although the situation has been resolved, Bruno will not be able to play in the match against São Paulo, as there was not enough time to make the necessary changes to register the contract renewal with the CBF. The player's new contract runs until December 31st of this year and includes a clause that allows him to leave, without benefits for Flamengo, in the event of an offer from a foreign club.
"Negotiations regarding Bruno's renewal are finalized. The player's contract will be registered with the CBF on Monday. He won't be able to play against São Paulo right away because there wasn't enough time to finalize the terms of the new contract," revealed vice president of football Kleber Leite.
With the saga over, Flamengo will once again be able to count on the quality of goalkeeper Bruno, who has been one of the team's standouts since the start of the season. Furthermore, foreign investors should also be satisfied, as they will be able to keep the player active in one of the biggest showcases in world football until a good offer from abroad emerges.
Bruno revona with Flamengo
It seems one of the soap operas set in Gávea is coming to an end. MSI, which holds the goalkeeper's federation rights, has decided to accept Flamengo's renewal offer.
The number 1 is expected to return to Rio this Saturday to finalize everything with the club, and his situation will be regularized with the CBF on Monday so he can play in the next match. Goalkeeper Diego will replace him in the match against São Paulo this Saturday at Morumbi Stadium.
Paulinho could also leave Fla
The breakup that was looming at Gávea now seems closer than ever. In addition to the likely departure of captain Renato, the potential interest from European clubs in goalkeeper Bruno and young midfielder Renato Augusto, defensive midfielder Paulinho could leave Flamengo as early as next week.
The player reportedly received an offer from Maccabi Haifa in Israel, which reportedly attracted him with the terms offered, which included a salary twice his current salary. All that was missing for the deal to go through was Paulinho's signature on the contract.
Despite losing another player, Flamengo won't leave empty-handed if the deal goes through. To sign the defensive midfielder, whose contract with Flamengo runs until the end of 2009, Maccabi will have to pay a $1 million fine (equivalent to R$1,9 million).
However, only 25% of this amount, equivalent to approximately R$480, will be allocated to the club's coffers, since the other 75% of the player's rights do not belong to the club.
Biancucchi will undergo surgery
Flamengo's first signing for the Brazilian Championship, Argentine Maxi Biancucchi, introduced earlier this week to address the player's offensive issues, will have to undergo surgery. However, the surgery is to remove a sebaceous cyst from his jaw. However, as it's not serious, Hermano will train normally with his new teammates starting next Monday.
Marcio Braga meets with Ricardo Teixeira
Flamengo's official website
Flamengo president Marcio Braga will visit the CBF headquarters next Monday at 16 p.m. to present the stadium construction project in Gávea to president Ricardo Teixeira. The meeting was arranged through Flamengo's vice president of football, Kleber Leite.
The meeting has special political significance, as the two presidents have maintained a complicated relationship over time. Both are involved in vital projects during their terms. Marcio Braga is working at all levels to implement his Gávea heritage revitalization plan, already approved by City Hall but facing resistance in several areas. Ricardo Teixeira is mobilized by Brazil's bid to host the 2014 World Cup.
O Dia
Fla reaches agreement with MSI and Bruno renews. But Diego will be the goalkeeper against São Paulo.
Marluci Martins
São Paulo - The saga is coming to an end. And, by all indications, it will have a happy ending. Goalkeeper Bruno will renew his contract with Flamengo, but only on Monday. Therefore, he will still not be fit to face São Paulo, starting at 18:10 PM, at Morumbi Stadium. Diego will once again be the starter.
The MSI investment fund has made some new demands, and thus a new contract will need to be signed. One of the changes concerns the term: instead of six months, the contract will be for three months, with the option to renew for another three.
"It's changed a bit, but the situation remains favorable for us. In three months, there will be no transfer window. Which means he'll remain at Flamengo until the end of the year," said vice president of football Kléber Leite.
Bruno traveled to São Paulo with the delegation yesterday and participated in training with his teammates. Only in the early evening did the club's board confirm the agreement, and also the impossibility of regularizing the player's registration with the CBF in time for this Saturday's match.
Bruno stays, but other players are threatening to leave the club due to the opening of the international transfer window. These include Paulinho, Renato, and Irineu.
Paulinho has an offer from Maccabi Haifa, and given the current poor run, the 31-year-old's departure wouldn't be a bad deal for Flamengo: his contract expires at the end of 2009, and the fine would be nearly R$2 million. Since part of his rights belong to Ipatinga, Flamengo would be entitled to a share of approximately R$500 (25 percent).
Defender Irineu, who established himself in the starting lineup after a few comings and goings, is still considering an offer from a club in Qatar.
And while Renato is trying to keep his negotiations with an Arab club under wraps, his family isn't hiding anything about it. At yesterday's training session, the midfielder was visited by his parents, who spilled the beans, confirming his transfer.
The player, however, insisted on keeping the matter a secret: "It would be disrespectful to talk about a transfer on the eve of such an important match for Flamengo. I have to do my duty on the field. That's all I'm thinking about right now," he assured.
Fla: Paulinho should go to Israel
Rio - With the likely departure of goalkeeper Bruno, Flamengo could lose another player. Midfielder Paulinho is expected to join an Israeli club. Despite having a contract until December 2009, the player is 31 years old, and according to agent Eduardo Uram, the Israeli club has shown strong interest in signing him.
Recently, Vasco da Gama player Abedi was traded to Israel. He went to Hapoel Tel-Aviv, which, according to Uram, is not the club interested in Paulinho.
Egídio is Juan's replacement in Flamengo's game against São Paulo
Rio - In this Saturday's match against São Paulo at Morumbi Stadium, Flamengo will count on Egídio at left-back. He replaces Juan, who is suspended. This year, Egídio was loaned to Paraná, where he played in the Copa Libertadores. The player came through the youth ranks of the club.
Sports Gazette
Flamengo's vice president guarantees Bruno's place on the team
Rio de Janeiro (RJ) - According to Flamengo's vice president of football, Kléber Leite, Bruno will remain at Flamengo. He assured that the goalkeeper will sign a three-month contract with the Rio de Janeiro club and will remain with the team. "Everything is set. He will sign and the contract will be regularized on Monday," said the director, who also warned that Flamengo has the option to extend his contract for another three months.
The player's agent, Eduardo Uram, believes in a deal between Flamengo and MSI. "There's already an understanding between Flamengo and MSI. They realized it's best for everyone if the goalkeeper stays at the club," he said in an interview with Rádio Brasil.
Fla loses Léo Moura for duel against São Paulo
Rio de Janeiro (RJ) - Flamengo has lost one player for this Saturday's game against São Paulo. Right-back Leonardo Moura suffered a thigh injury in the last training session and is virtually ruled out. Coach Ney Franco's solution is likely to be Luizinho. The full-back has shown himself ready to take over the starting lineup in the tenth round of the Brazilian Championship. "I think each player has their own style. I like to control the pace of the game more, unlike Leo. But everyone really wants to help Flamengo," he said in an interview with Rádio Tupi.
The player is excited and wants to put in a strong performance to maintain his place in the starting lineup. "I hope to have a good game and mess with the coach," explained the athlete, who approved the idea of a formation with him on the wing and Leonardo Moura in midfield.
PeléNet
Flamengo announces deal with goalkeeper Bruno
The saga involving goalkeeper Bruno and Flamengo appears to have reached a happy ending for the red-and-blacks. After extensive negotiations, the athlete is expected to remain at Gávea for another six months.
Early this Friday afternoon, the player's agent, Eduardo Uram, was already giving signs that the contract extension should happen, only depending on a document to be sent by Atlético-MG, the club that revealed the goalkeeper.
However, on Friday night, both Uram and Flamengo's board of directors stated that the deal was sealed and had the approval of the MSI investment fund, to which Bruno is linked.
Therefore, the red-black number 1, who arrived at the club in September 2006 and had his contract terminated on the 30th, will remain at Gávea until December of this year and should have his situation regularized next Monday.
With that, Bruno is expected to return to defending the Rio goal in the game against Paraná, scheduled for July 19. This Saturday, against São Paulo, at Morumbi, Diego will remain in goal for Flamengo.
On different routes, São Paulo and Flamengo duel at Morumbi
Alexandre Sinato\ In São Paulo\ Both are world champions, among the biggest clubs in the country, and have collected Brazilian titles. This Saturday, however, São Paulo and Flamengo leave their similarities aside in the duel scheduled for 18:10 p.m. at Morumbi Stadium, valid for the tenth round of the Nacional.\
Richarlyson said he emerged stronger from the controversial episode in which he was involved.
Differences will set the tone in the match between Muricy Ramalho and Ney Franco's teams. The first is the Brazilian Championship standings. With 17 points, São Paulo finished the last round in second place, chasing the "top-scoring" Botafogo. Flamengo, which has seven points with two games in hand, is in the relegation zone to Serie B.
The São Paulo team also has an advantage in its current form in the tournament. It's on a four-game unbeaten streak, with three wins and one draw and without conceding a single goal (it has the best defense, having conceded two goals).
Flamengo's streak is five games long, but it's been a string of setbacks. The red-and-black team's last and only victory in the Brazilian Championship came on May 20th, a 3-1 victory over Goiás. Since then, they've drawn four and lost one (they were thrashed 4-0 by Figueirense).
For Muricy Ramalho, however, this Saturday's opponent has already shown that they're finding the right path. "I watched their match against Atlético-MG [a 1-1 draw], and their performance doesn't match their points tally. They're a well-prepared team, and we'll need to be very careful," he warned.
According to Bruno's agent, the goalkeeper has a good chance of staying at Flamengo.
São Paulo still has a favorable schedule in the Brazilian Championship, in another contrast to Flamengo. After hosting Inter at Morumbi Stadium on Tuesday, the Tricolor team plays three more home matches: they face Flamengo this Saturday, Corinthians on the 14th, and finish the sequence against Fluminense on the 18th.
Meanwhile, the Rio de Janeiro team will play eight games away from Rio de Janeiro. With the Maracanã stadium being used for the Pan American Games, Flamengo will host two matches in other states. After visiting São Paulo, the red-and-black team will host Paraná in Uberlândia, Minas Gerais, and América-RN in Juiz de Fora, Minas Gerais, in addition to their opponent's home matches.
Despite facing so many adversities, Ney Franco's squad is optimistic and hopes to surprise this Saturday. "It's another tough game ahead of us. I hope we play well and come away with a positive result. I'm longing to play well again, score goals, and win. I hope it's the same against São Paulo," said midfielder Renato.
The Flamengo playmaker will also return to midfield thanks to Souza's return to attack after serving a suspension for the matches against Atlético-MG and Internacional. Meanwhile, Ney Franco will be without two key players: the wingers.
Left-back Juan, suspended for receiving his third yellow card last round, will be replaced by Egídio, who returned to the club last month after playing for Paraná. On the right, Leonardo Moura felt a twinge in the back of his right thigh this Friday and was ruled out. Luizinho will replace him.
At São Paulo, Muricy also has absences. Hernanes, who is serving a temporary suspension as a defensive midfielder, will be out of the midfield. The spot will be filled by defender André Dias, who has been moved to protect the defense. This gives Edcarlos another chance to start.
Hugo, a substitute in the last game, is also out. He will serve the second of a three-match suspension imposed by the Superior Court of Justice (STJD). The bench, however, will be reinforced by Diego Tardelli, who returns to São Paulo's squad after 20 months away.
BalloonSport
Renato wants a goal in his possible farewell
The player is packing his bags for Al-Nasr. Irineu may end up in Qatar.
Midfielder Renato, Flamengo's captain, could play his last match for the Rio de Janeiro team against São Paulo this Saturday. He is being negotiated with Al-Nasr of the United Arab Emirates and hopes to score at Morumbi Stadium in what could be his final match for the Red-Blacks. "It's been a month since I played for Flamengo, and I already miss scoring goals. Of course I want to score, but I'll be happy if Flamengo wins," he said in an interview with "Rádio Globo."
According to the same outlet, defender Irineu could be another player leaving Flamengo. Qatari football would be his destination. This Friday, it emerged that midfielder Paulinho was almost certain to join Maccabi Haifa in Israel.
Fla says he made an agreement with Bruno
But a person linked to the negotiation indicates that there was a last-minute problem.
Bruno signs a three-month contract with Flamengo. He won't play on Saturday.
Flamengo announces a happy ending to goalkeeper Bruno's contract renewal. The club's vice president of football, Kléber Leite, assures that the parties have reached an agreement.
"Everything's fine. He'll sign and it will be regularized on Monday," says the manager.
Bruno's new commitment to Flamengo would last three months, renewable for another three.
The other side...\ However, GLOBOESPORTE.COM found out that there was a problem with the deal and Bruno will head to Rio de Janeiro this Saturday to resolve the issue once and for all.\
São Paulo x Fla: ten points apart
Tricolor is on the rise, in second place, while Rubro-negro tries to get out of the turbulence\ Carolina Elustondo From GLOBOESPORTE.COM, in São Paulo, get in touch\
Eduardo Peixoto
Diário de S.Paulo\ Dagoberto and Aloísio are confirmed against Flamengo\
Riding high on a four-match unbeaten streak in the Brasileirão, São Paulo hosts Flamengo this Saturday at 18:10 p.m. at Morumbi Stadium for the tenth round. While the mood for the host team is calm, the Rio de Janeiro team is in turmoil, having not won in five games and sitting in the relegation zone. Therefore, the visiting team is looking for a win to calm things down.
The match will be broadcast live on SporTV for all of Brazil, except São Paulo, which will be available on Premiere. The new Real Time, with exclusive videos from GLOBOESPORTE.COM, also features all the details of the match.
Ten points separate the two teams. São Paulo's Tricolor is in second place with 17 points, while Rubro-Negro has just seven points in 18th place.
This Saturday's game is São Paulo's second in a row at home, having beaten Inter during the week. The team also has two more matches at Morumbi Stadium, against Corinthians and Fluminense, to complete the streak. It's precisely on home soil that the club aims to reach the top of the table.
"These four games in São Paulo are a great opportunity to close in on the leader. But it's also a tough challenge. It was the same against Inter. I saw Flamengo play Atlético-MG (1-1). They're a well-organized team, with good players, and the coach is adjusting. Not to mention the fact that it's a derby, with great jerseys on the field," emphasizes Tricolor coach Muricy Ramalho.
Improvisation to maintain the scheme
To keep the team's structure to a minimum, Muricy Ramalho selected a replacement for Hernanes, who is suspended and has been playing as a defensive midfielder, in defense. André Dias will be deployed in the defensive midfield position to give the midfield more marking power and even allow Richarlyson, who has been playing as a second midfielder, more freedom.
"Professor Muricy says that when a team defends with four, it's unlikely to concede goals. And having a better-marking player next to me in the middle makes it easier for me to get close to the box and risk a shot, as I like to do," explains Richarlyson.
Aloísio, who left the game against Internacional with pain in his left thigh, has recovered and is back in attack with Dagoberto.
Souza says he doesn't remember when his last goal was, which came on May 6th.
No sides, for the end of the fast
Flamengo hasn't won a game since May 20, when they beat Goiás 3-1. After that, they drew four games and lost one.
To make matters worse, in the match against São Paulo, the Rubro-Negro team will be missing some wingers, one of the few players that have worked well in the early stages of the Brasileirão. Juan is suspended, and Leonardo Moura is experiencing pain in his right thigh. They will be replaced by Egídio and Luizinho, respectively.
Meanwhile, in attack, Souza is back. The top scorer in the last Brasileirão, he has yet to score in this season. And he doesn't even remember his last goal for Flamengo.
"I don't remember; I haven't played in a long time due to injuries and suspensions, but I hope to score against São Paulo, even though they have the best defense in the league. We know our team is struggling, and some players are under greater pressure, like me," he says. As a reminder: the last time Souza scored was on May 6th, against Botafogo.
Full-back André goes to Fortaleza
The player was Ney Franco's third choice for the team's left wing. Fortaleza's board announced on Friday afternoon the signing of left-back André Lima. The player, who was at Flamengo, will be officially presented moments before the match against Avaí, this Saturday, at Castelão Stadium.
At 22 years of age, André Lima will remain at the Ceará club until the end of the Brazilian Championship Series B. In addition to the Rio de Janeiro club, the left-back has also played for Grêmio de Barueri-SP.
The former Flamengo player is the first player to be signed under coach Amauri Knevitz, who arrived in Pici last Tuesday. However, even under his predecessor, coach Marco Aurélio, the Tricolor board was already trying to acquire a player for the team.
Paulinho's sale will generate R$480
Flamengo midfielder has one foot in Maccabi Haifa, Israel. All he needs to do is sign. Eduardo Peixoto
Paulinho has an official offer from Maccabi Haifa, Israel
The Israeli team expected to take Paulinho from Flamengo is Maccabi Haifa. GLOBOESPORTE.COM learned that the player has already accepted the offer and only needs to sign the contract.
At 31, the midfielder will earn double his current salary in Israel. His contract with Flamengo runs until the end of 2009, and Maccabi will pay a $1 million (R$1,9 million) fine. Of this total, Flamengo is entitled to 25%, or $250 (R$480).
On the Israeli team, Paulinho will be teammates with Xavier, formerly of Corinthians.
Throw
São Paulo vs Flamengo: clash of champions
Together, clubs have won nine titles in the Brazilian Championship
LANCEPRESS!
The match between São Paulo and Flamengo this Saturday at 18:10 PM at Morumbi Stadium will see nine Brazilian Championship titles on the field. With five National Championship titles, Flamengo is the Brazilian team with the most Brasileirão Série A wins—1980, 82, 83, 87, and 92. On the other hand, reigning champions Sampa are no slouch. In addition to last year's title, Flamengo has won the competition on three other occasions—1977, 86, and 91.
Even without the same form that led them to their fourth championship in 2006, São Paulo is enjoying a good run in the Brazilian Championship. After a rocky start, still reeling from early eliminations in the Paulistão and Libertadores, the team has now gone four games unbeaten. And while the attack isn't performing, the defense has kept the Morumbi team going. In nine games, they've conceded just two goals—in defeats to Naútico and Atlético Mineiro, both 1-0.
Coach Muricy Ramalho will be missing four players for the match. In addition to regulars Josué and Alex Silva, who are with the national team, midfielder Hernanes, suspended for his third yellow card, and midfielder Hugo, suspended by the Superior Court of Justice (STJD) with a three-game ban, are also out. This means André Dias will likely be deployed alongside Richarlyson, while Edcarlos will form the center-back trio with Breno and Miranda.
Leandro remains the team's playmaker. Forward Aloísio, who was rested from some training sessions, will partner Dagoberto against the Rio team.
Third-to-last with seven points but two games in hand, coach Ney Franco will have trouble fielding Flamengo's full-backs. Juan, suspended after picking up his third yellow card, and Leonardo Moura, who suffered a right thigh injury during training this Friday, are out. Egídio and Luizinho will replace them, respectively.
However, the coach will have the return of Souza, who has only played in two matches this season (Goiás and Figueirense). The red-and-black number 9, who has yet to score in the competition, says he prefers to have Leonardo as his attacking partner.
"Leonardo's entry is a huge advantage for me. He's a player who moves well, and I stay in the box waiting to finish," said Souza.
End of the soap opera: Bruno stays at Flamengo
The board reaches an agreement with MSI and the goalkeeper stays at the club for another six months.
Bruno remains at Flamengo until January 2008 (Credit: André Brant)
Guilherme de Paula
Like a Hollywood movie, Bruno's contract renewal saga had a happy ending for Flamengo and the goalkeeper, who always made it clear his desire to remain at the club. This Friday, Flamengo and MSI (the player's rights holder) finally reached an agreement.
In fact, the terms of the contract were already agreed upon between Bruno and Flamengo a week ago. According to the agreement reached this Friday, the extension is for six months (three plus three), in addition to a clause that allows the goalkeeper to leave if a European club offers.
However, according to vice-president of football, Kléber Leite, Bruno's departure after the first three months is very unlikely, as the international transfer window will be closed at this time.
The manager celebrated the goalkeeper's permanence and revealed when the player will be registered.
"Bruno is now one less problem. On Monday, we'll go to the CBF to regularize his situation," said Kléber Leite, adding that Bruno will only miss this Saturday against São Paulo because there was no way to regularize his situation this Friday.
With that, Diego is maintained for the match at Morumbi.
Paulinho is unaware of Israel's proposal
But the midfielder does not rule out exchanging Flamengo for Maccabi Haifa
Paulinho admits leaving Flamengo (Credit: André Brant)
LANCEPRESS!
Midfielder Paulinho said Friday in São Paulo, where Flamengo faces Tricolor Paulista on Saturday, that he is unaware of any offers from abroad. Israel's Maccabi Haifa is reportedly interested in the 31-year-old, who has a contract with the Rio de Janeiro club until 2009.
"I'm only hearing about the transfer through the newspapers. There's nothing concrete yet. My agent, Eduardo Uram, is in charge of that aspect of my career, and he hasn't told me anything about it yet. But I'm happy with the interest; it shows that I'm doing a good job, that I'm playing well, and doing the right things," he said.
Even though he says he is happy at Gávea, Paulinho does not rule out another transfer abroad.
"I'm very happy at Flamengo. But if a good offer comes along that's good for everyone, why not accept it? In today's football world, financial considerations are a big factor. That's what mattered when I went to Qatar, where I played for six months and came back satisfied," he analyzed.
Obina throws a party for little students
Striker had his name shouted throughout training this Friday
Obina held a party for the little ones in Gávea (Credit: Rodrigo Mandarini)
Rodrigo Mandarini
An idol is an idol. And striker Obina enjoyed another cherished morning this Friday in Gávea. About 50 students from the Sergio Vieira Municipal School, located near Flamengo's headquarters, visited the club and enthusiastically greeted the striker every time he passed the stands.
Always friendly, Obina made a point of waving to the boys and girls, all no older than seven, whenever his name was shouted. Some children invented a parody of the song "Mila," a hit by Netinho from Bahia, and sang it to Obina.
"This Bina is very popular with the boys. I'm a Tricolor fan, but I see that the kids love him," said a teacher, showing that she doesn't know much about the subject.
The children were so excited about Obina that even when other players passed by, the Bahian striker's name was shouted. Recovering from left knee surgery, Obina is expected to return to play next month.
Maxi Biancucchi trains for 1h30min in Gávea
Striker to undergo surgery next week to remove cyst
Maxi and Obina trained in Gávea (Credit: Rodrigo Mandarini)
Rodrigo Mandarini
Argentine striker Maxi Biancucchi trained for an hour and a half this Friday at Gávea. This was the player's fourth day of training since being introduced by Flamengo last Monday. During the activity, Maxi did weight training and ran around the field.
"Maxi is working on his own to adapt. He won't train with the group until next week. Then, Geraldo Fabian (fitness coach) will determine how long it will take for him to be ready to play," said Marcelo Sales, the Rubro-Negro's fitness assistant.
During his time on the field, Maxi showed his enthusiasm. The Argentine ran at a good pace and then headed to the weight room. During the run, he even briefly joked with some athletes who also worked out at Gávea.
"He's a really nice guy. He arrived this week and has already won over the group," said Sales, who has been in closer contact with the player.
Next week, Maxi will undergo surgery to remove a cyst on the left side of his face. The player is expected to rest for a short time. The Argentine will only be able to debut after August 3rd, when he will be registered.