In Juan's farewell, Flamengo faces Cruzeiro in a Brasileirão match
The match against the Minas Gerais team will be Mais Querido's debut in the competition.
By Flamengo Communication - in
Making its debut in the Brazilian Championship, Flamengo hosts Cruzeiro at Maracanã this Saturday (27), at 21 pm. The Most Beloved wants to start the competition on the right foot and counts on the support of the Nation, which has already purchased more than 20 thousand tickets.
Flamengo's opening match in the 2019 Brazilian Championship could mark defender Juan's farewell to the pitch.
Discovered by Rubro-Negro, Juan played 331 games with the Manto Sagrado (157v/81e/93d), scoring 32 goals. For Flamengo, Juan won the Rio de Janeiro championship three times (99/2000/01), the Mercosul Cup in 1999 and the State Championship in 2019.
Hey, Juan!
On the eve of the match, Juan gave a press conference at Ninho do Urubu and recalled the special moments he had in his career.
"Everything I experienced was special. In one way or another, it helped me grow, as a player and as a person. Even during the most difficult periods, during my first stint, it helped me develop. Now, with more structure and more financial power, the pressure and expectations are even greater. I lived intensely throughout my career."
The defender also commented on the emotion of stepping onto the field for the last time as a professional athlete.
"The idea, mainly, is to make the most of this special night. We haven't decided yet what position I'll play in. It's an important game for Flamengo, my last encounter with the fans, and it has everything to be a special night."
Check it out in full
Flamengo x Cruzeiro
Flamengo has not been defeated in its last three Brazilian Championship debuts (1x0 Sport/2016; 1x1 Atlético-MG/2017; 2x2 Vitória/2018).
In these 27 matches in Rio de Janeiro, the red-and-blacks have won 12 matches, while Minas Gerais has won nine and drawn six more. In terms of goals scored, the Mais Querido has another advantage: 43 to 27.
Flamengo hasn't lost to Cruzeiro in the Brazilian Championship in four years (or seven matches; 6 wins, 1 draw). Cruzeiro won the last meeting 2-0 at Mineirão Stadium in last year's Brazilian Championship. Everton Ribeiro scored both Flamengo goals.
Tickets
More than 20 tickets have already been sold for the Brazilian Championship debut. Rubro-Negro fans can still buy tickets. by clicking here.
Transmission
The match between Flamengo and Cruzeiro will be broadcast exclusively on Canal Premiere.
Social media coverage
You can also follow the real-time action on Flamengo's official social media channels using the hashtag #FLAxCRU. Follow us on Twitter, at Instagram and like our page on Facebook. FlaTV also brings exclusive behind-the-scenes and match footage to the Rubro-Negra Nation. Sign up with one click, it's free!