Zico: "To be at Flamengo, you have to want to play"
Galinho praises Vagner Love's dedication to trying to renew his contract with his favorite club
By From the team at Flamengo's official website - in
Zico is the greatest example of victory for Flamengo fans. And on his first day as executive director of football, "Galinho de Quintino" was incisive when he spoke about the attitude he expects from Flamengo's players. And one example was set by the club's greatest idol: Vagner Love, who is "fighting" to stay at Gávea.
According to Zico, negotiations with CSKA, which owns the rights to the Artilheiro do Amor, are complicated, but the player's will can make a difference.
"We'll wait for a response from CSKA. We know there's a difference in prices between what the Russians want and what we can afford. However, Love's desire to stay is very important. He's adapted very well at Flamengo and has worked hard to earn the fans' admiration. He's also working off the field to try to stay at Flamengo," said Zico, who made it clear that he won't count on fake Flamengo fans.
"We always see many players saying they want to play for Flamengo and that they love the club. However, you can't just talk the talk. If you truly want to play for Flamengo, you have to make sacrifices, you have to show it. Many people end up using this rhetoric to get better contracts at other clubs. Vagner Love never did that and even gave up a lot to come to Flamengo. I will never accept pressure or anyone using Flamengo as a stepping stone."
With a wealth of experience in international football, Zico also made a point of explaining what he expects from incoming and existing players at the club.
"All the professionals here have contracts with Flamengo. They will all have to comply with the club's rules. They need to be happy here. I think players need to go out on the field and always give their best. And we, who work off the field, need to provide them with all the conditions they need to do that," he concluded.
According to Zico, negotiations with CSKA, which owns the rights to the Artilheiro do Amor, are complicated, but the player's will can make a difference.
"We'll wait for a response from CSKA. We know there's a difference in prices between what the Russians want and what we can afford. However, Love's desire to stay is very important. He's adapted very well at Flamengo and has worked hard to earn the fans' admiration. He's also working off the field to try to stay at Flamengo," said Zico, who made it clear that he won't count on fake Flamengo fans.
"We always see many players saying they want to play for Flamengo and that they love the club. However, you can't just talk the talk. If you truly want to play for Flamengo, you have to make sacrifices, you have to show it. Many people end up using this rhetoric to get better contracts at other clubs. Vagner Love never did that and even gave up a lot to come to Flamengo. I will never accept pressure or anyone using Flamengo as a stepping stone."
With a wealth of experience in international football, Zico also made a point of explaining what he expects from incoming and existing players at the club.
"All the professionals here have contracts with Flamengo. They will all have to comply with the club's rules. They need to be happy here. I think players need to go out on the field and always give their best. And we, who work off the field, need to provide them with all the conditions they need to do that," he concluded.