After a tiring day, which began in the early hours of the morning with an open letter from Flamengo's then-executive director of football, Zico, resigning on its official website, president Patricia Amorim held a press conference at the Rogério Steinberg Auditorium in Gávea. In the afternoon, the Flamengo president went to the club's training center, Ninho do Urubu, to speak with the players and Zico, and in the early evening, she spoke to the press to explain the situation.

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Patricia expressed her emotion, lamenting Zico's departure and explaining that the new football leadership should be announced by Monday. She also reaffirmed that Flamengo's priority can only be this Saturday's (September 02.09nd) derby at the Engenhão stadium. Read the president's full interview below.

Zico's farewell - I was watching the debate and at 00:28 AM I received a text message from Zico, saying he'd only just arrived home, that his grandson had been born, that he was very happy, and that he wished he could have left and spoken to me in person. However, he ended up leaving late and was going to post a resignation on his official website. I immediately tried to contact him by phone, but was unsuccessful, and responded with another text message, saying I would respect his decision but that it would be important to talk.

Today, at 11:09 a.m., he called me, emotional, and said that the strain of the week had taken a toll on him and his family. That's why he preferred to step down. I tried to dissuade him, of course. I told him it was an honor and a great honor to have worked with him and asked if it wasn't reversible. He said no, but still said I thought it was important for us to talk. In the meantime, Vinícius França, vice president of football, also sent me an email thanking me for my trust and, in solidarity with Zico, asking for his resignation.

We went to the training center, got in touch with Zico during the day, and he offered to come and say goodbye to the players. It was emotional. He left, and I took a firm stance as president of this institution that is Flamengo.

classic - Now, let's move on to the game against Botafogo. With our usual calm and serenity, we'll take the field tomorrow with highly motivated players. We grow stronger in the face of adversity. When I took over, I knew the club was big and the problems were big too. I'm here with my heart open, fulfilled as a manager, and with the certainty in my heart that we're on the right path.

Future - I just ask Zico to be reassured about Flamengo's gratitude for accepting the invitation, for the moments he spent as a player and manager, and for his moving dedication throughout this time. It was a difficult separation for me, as I managed to realize this dream. He planted a seed, and it will germinate. I am absolutely certain he will be pleased with the completion of the George Helal Training Center. My gratitude will only grow. To him, I extend all my recognition, affection, and support.

Autonomy - All the guarantees and security he needed to work were provided. We sought to resolve the administrative and financial issues so Zico could bring in whoever he wanted, with absolute autonomy. If that didn't work, there were plenty of attempts. He didn't stay with us longer this time, and I hope he'll be back in the near future. We'll work hard to ensure he and other great Flamengo names are always building the best chapters in this club's history. I'm not here to judge Zico's stance. I'm just grateful for the time he stayed. I worked for him to stay longer, but unfortunately, it didn't work out.

Supervisory board - Things have already been resolved. This was stated by me, president of Flamengo, by Zico, president of CFZ, and by the chairman of the fiscal council himself. So, we moved forward. The natural thing would have been to schedule a meeting and discuss it internally. But at Flamengo, things get out of hand, they come out first, and then we try to establish normalcy.

The Fiscal Council is fulfilling its role of oversight, and I don't question that. For the good of Flamengo and democracy, it's important to have oversight. We can question the way things are presented. It might not be so extreme, especially since things have been clarified. I won't take a stance in favor of one or the other. I'm a Flamengo fan. I'm here to defend the institution.

Partnership with CFZ - The partnership was for CFZ players who developed and interested Flamengo. We would have 50% of the rights to potential players signed. Only two came. Others are training without a Flamengo contract. And no player from here has ever been nominated or given a percentage to CFZ. I can't understand where this comes from.

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Substitutes - We'll discuss this further. The priority is tomorrow's game. We'll meet over the weekend. I believe we'll have all these names by Monday. Silas is our coach for this Saturday's game against Botafogo.

Fan Demonstration - A protest is an act where people take a stand and must be respected. I respect and am sensitive enough to listen. I listen to my board, my associates, my fans, my family... I listen as much as possible to try to make as few mistakes as possible. If the protest is peaceful, it has all the credibility to be considered. Regarding today's, I prefer not to comment, as I didn't see it.