34 years of service to Flamengo - a long history built by few. And one of them is José Luiz Runco. The club's doctor for all this time, the experienced doctor announced this week that he will step down as head of the club's medical department after the match against Palmeiras next Sunday (August 16.08).

This Friday (14.08), Runco gave a press conference at the George Helal Training Center alongside president Eduardo Bandeira de Mello, executive director Rodrigo Caetano, general director Fred Luz and the new head of the department, Marcio Tannure.

 Bandeira de Mello opened the interview by praising Runco and explained that he is not leaving the club, but rather changing roles. "We are holding this meeting to celebrate a passing, a transition we are making that fills us with pride. It is the change of role of our head of the medical department for 34 years, Dr. Runco. He leaves our medical department leadership, but he is not leaving Flamengo. He continues to support us, providing services as a consultant and surgeon," he said. The president also spoke about the transition and the hiring of Guilherme Runco, José Luiz's son. "The medical department leadership will now be headed by Dr. Marcio Tannure, who has been here for a long time. And we have secured the reinforcement of another Dr. Runco, the younger one, who joins our medical staff, maintaining the dynasty," he explained. Eduardo concluded by thanking José Luiz for his services. "I would like to publicly thank Dr. Runco for his dedication and competence, for his conduct and dedication to Flamengo throughout this time," he concluded.

José Luiz Runco fondly recalled his time at Flamengo. "I feel honored. Flamengo was a school. I joined in 1981, when I was 26 years old. It was a club that launched me as a doctor. I spent 16 years serving the Brazilian national team, and I owe that to Flamengo and the recognition it gave me," he said. The doctor affirmed that his departure is not a spur-of-the-moment decision and that there is no disagreement with the club. "There is no rift between José Luiz Runco and Flamengo. There is a change of role. It's been going on for some time. I had already requested it, and we thought this was the ideal time," he stated.

Runco said he was satisfied with his time with Rubro-Negro and happy to be able to give his son a spot on the coaching staff. "As a human being, I couldn't be more fulfilled. Accomplishing a task, a goal, and passing it on to someone we had the pleasure of raising. Having your son continue what you do is very good. It's a very interesting thing. It's a moment of joy, of satisfaction. I'll work the game on Sunday (August 16.08th) against Palmeiras. It will be my last game as a field doctor," he concluded.

The club's new head of medical department, Dr. Marcio Tannure, welcomed the transition. "It's a huge honor and responsibility to occupy this position that was held by Dr. Runco for so long. If I'm still here at Flamengo today, it's thanks to him. Not just me, but I think all doctors who work in football have had a huge influence. He influenced a generation. Football before and after the Runco era, within the medical department, was completely different," he said. Tannure stated he understands the challenge of taking on the role. "I've experienced it, and I know the pressure and responsibility will be immense. I owe a lot to him (Runco), and we'll continue the work. We'll implement some of our own style, but we'll maintain what we've already done. I thank the board of directors for trusting me at this time. I hope to respond to them, to Dr. Runco, who left us this legacy, and especially to the Flamengo fans," he concluded.

At the end of the interview, Rodrigo Caetano suggested a round of applause among those present as a way of paying tribute to Dr. Runco, which was readily accepted.