After training for Flamengo's upcoming Copa do Brasil match on Wednesday against Santos at Vila Belmiro, some delicate news was delivered to the press and fans in the Victorino Chermont Room at Ninho do Urubu. Ederson was diagnosed with a tumor in his testicles and will undergo surgery to remove and biopsy it, meaning he will be sidelined for an indefinite period of time.  

In a press conference held with Flamengo's president, Eduardo Bandeira de Mello, the Executive Director of Football, Rodrigo Caetano, the player Ederson and Doctor Marcio Tannure, Head of Flamengo's Medical Department, the news was given to everyone at the same time and in a way to explain what the next steps will be to be taken by the club and player.  

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According to Doctor Tannure, the tumor was discovered after a more thorough examination to understand the increase in the player's beta-HCG, which even gave rise to suspicions of doping.   

"Last Thursday, we received notification of an adverse analytical result from a doping test Ederson underwent, indicating an increase in a substance called beta-HCG. We strictly monitor all our athletes regarding doping, including holding annual lectures to guide them through the CBF's Brazilian Doping Commission. Speaking with the athlete, whom we have extreme confidence in, he confirmed that he had not used anything, even accidentally. Because of this, and because doping is a quantitative, not qualitative, substance that the body produces itself and is acceptable up to a certain dose, we suspected it could be a pathology, which came as a surprise to us. We investigated to understand the cause of this adverse analytical result and discovered that the athlete had a testicular tumor, which is more common in men in this age range, between 30 and 35 years old, with a very good prognosis," explained Flamengo's Chief Medical Officer, who then listed the procedures that will be taken and provided an overview of the treatment. 

 "He will undergo surgery and treatment. Some athletes have already suffered this type of injury, such as Abidal, Lance Armstrong, and basketball's Nenê, and they all received treatment and returned to their physical activities. We are confident that the treatment will be successful. The success rate is 99%. He will have to take some time off, but he will soon be back to help Flamengo as he always has," Tannure added. 

Futbeol's Executive Director, Rodrigo Caetano, explained why the information protocol was not followed in this case, to prioritize the privacy of the 31-year-old attacking midfielder.  

"The reason we've changed the protocol is relevant, important, and even somewhat delicate. We often ask for a little understanding when it comes to information, precisely because mistakes can be made in the rush. This week, we met with his agent, and everyone assumed it would be a departure, a possible transfer. But behind every athlete and club professional are human beings with their own weaknesses," said Rodrigo Caetano. 

Ederson made a unique statement, in which he thanked his family and teammates for their support, and demonstrated his composure in overcoming this obstacle.  

"In these moments, it's hard to find words. This news really impacted me, but knowing everything exactly as the doctor explained, I'm saddened by this news, but I'm also very calm, aware of the days ahead. I know it will be just another battle for my life. I've already won some, so I'm thinking positively. I can only be very grateful for the support I've received here at the club, from the board, the president, Rodrigo Caetano, the athletes, and the coaching staff. Today I made a point of gathering the guys and talking to them before training to explain things clearly, so there are no doubts, false reports, or even other thoughts. I have to say that this is a wonderful group, with wonderful football and human qualities. It's one of the best groups, if not the best, I've been part of in my 16-year professional career. I'm very calm about facing all of this with the support of my family, and I'm sure I'll win this battle. I'll keep going and get back to doing what I love most, which is playing football," said the number 10. 

 

Closing the press conference, President Eduardo Bandeira de Mello highlighted that the athlete will receive full support from Flamengo during his recovery. 

"It's truly a delicate matter. A problem that will be treated with all the care and discretion it deserves. I'm absolutely certain, based on everything I've discussed with Dr. Tannure, that the final result will be positive, that everything will work out, and that Ederson will soon be back wearing the Flamengo jersey. I'd like to make clear Flamengo's full support for him. I'd like to assure him that he will never lack the support of the club or his teammates," said Bandeira, who never doubted the athlete's character and integrity, even when a doping case was still being considered.  

"When I first heard about the incident on Thursday, we still had a positive doping test. Even so, the club's position was one of complete confidence in the player, whom we all know to be an exemplary athlete. We made it very clear that the player was innocent, regardless of anything, and that we would give him our full support. As the matter developed, we saw that he is effectively innocent of any doping issue, but unfortunately, he has a medical issue that must be resolved and will be. He will have our full support and solidarity. I'm sure Flamengo will have another reason to play and honor their teammate, who will be cheering us on and hoping for a full and speedy recovery," concluded the president. 

More tests will be carried out throughout this week to prepare the athlete for his surgery, scheduled for next Monday (31). After the procedure, the club will provide a more detailed prognosis on Ederson's recovery.