The outcome of the classic match between Flamengo and Fluminense last Sunday was not what the Flamengo fans expected. After the heroic comeback against Fluminense, the fans were surprised by news: Petkovic's suspension until further notice. Various versions of a possible disagreement between the Serbian player and the vice-president of football, Marcos Braz, were circulated in the press, but on Monday, the midfielder made a point of giving his version.

\

Pet arrived at Gávea shortly before the start of training, and his arrival was awaited by more than 50 members of the press. As expected, the Serbian did not participate in the activities with the Flamengo group and only had a long conversation with the football director, Isaias Tinoco. Moments later, he left the football department's room and went to the press room of journalist Marilene Dabus, where he gave a press conference to talk about the matter.

\

"There was no fight, no argument. I was upset about the defeat, I took a shower and grabbed my things because I was frustrated at losing my unbeaten streak and not being able to help anymore. They warned me about the anti-doping test, and when I left the locker room, Marcos told me I would have to wait. I just waved to him and went to the car, where I listened to the game until Alvaro was sent off. Again, I was upset. I kept walking around Tijuca, waiting to see if I would be selected for the anti-doping test. Then we scored the fourth and fifth goals and I went home," he explained.

\

Surprised, Petkovic states that he did not argue with Marcos Braz at any point and reveals that he finds the repercussion the case is having unnecessary. The player acknowledges that he could have warned that he would return to the Maracanã, if necessary, but does not see this small slip-up as anything too serious to warrant punishment.

\

"If something had happened that harmed the group and the club, I would be the first to admit it. I don't agree with the punishment. I didn't do anything and I'm appalled. But I will accept it if necessary. I hope you realize that nothing happened for me to be punished. Marcos isn't here, so I can't talk to him about this. I apologize if something was misinterpreted, but I didn't do anything. I'd even like to know what I did that was so serious for this to be leaked to the press and for me to be suspended," he said.

\

The foreigner also took the opportunity to deny that he slept outside the team's training camp last weekend and that he was upset about being substituted.

\

"I slept during the training camp. I've always made it clear that I'm against training camps. But, until now, I've always complied and always gone to help the group. I've never failed to comply with any disciplinary order. That's why I say: for everything I've done for Flamengo, I value and cherish the club, everyone knows that, and I wouldn't do anything to harm the group or Flamengo. Sometimes, someone might make a mistake, and if I had done that, I would accept it. But I didn't do anything to harm anyone and I was surprised by all this repercussion," he noted.

\

The number 43 also spoke about his relationship with the Flamengo coach, which he described as excellent.

\

"My relationship with Andrade has always been great, we always talk, I try to help as much as possible, we talk a lot privately... I spoke with him and with Andrade again to say that this story has nothing to do with the issue of substitution," he added.

Read more:Marcos Braz justifies Petkovic's dismissal