Soccer

NOW! Flamengo speaks out after leaked message about De La Cruz

Head of Mengão's medical department, José Luiz Runco, stated that the Uruguayan has a chronic knee problem and the club takes a stance

Flamengo releases official statement addressing leaked message from José Luiz Runco about Nico De La Cruz - Photo: Gilvan de Souza/Flamengo
Flamengo releases official statement addressing leaked message from José Luiz Runco about Nico De La Cruz - Photo: Gilvan de Souza/Flamengo

23 Jul 2025 | 12:44 |

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Tuesday (22) was busy at Flamengo after the leak of a message in which José Luiz Runco , head of the club's medical department, stated that De La Cruz has a chronic problem in his right knee and that those interested in signing him would not be targeting him for competitive football. Mais Querido then released an official statement this Wednesday (23) where it states that the doctor does not work directly in football.


José Luiz Runco was hired by Flamengo to standardize the club's medical procedures, encompassing all of the club's sports, and he has no direct contact with the players. The doctors currently treating Flamengo's football team are : Fernando Sassaki (orthopedist and head of the department), Luiz Macedo (cardiologist), Dieno Portella (orthopedist), Vitor Pereira (orthopedist), and Bruno Hassel (radiologist).


CHECK OUT FLAMENGO'S NOTE IN FULL


“The Football Board of Clube de Regatas do Flamengo clarifies that the recently leaked message was not written by any of the five doctors who make up the professional football department : Fernando Sassaki (orthopedist and head of the sector), Luiz Macedo (cardiologist), Dieno Portella (orthopedist), Vitor Pereira (orthopedist) and Bruno Hassel (radiologist).

As is public knowledge, these professionals are responsible for providing daily assistance to athletes during training, games and travel, in addition to constantly and transparently providing all information of interest to the press and fans.


The Football Board reiterates that it will not comment on speculation and will maintain its focus solely and exclusively on preserving the high level of performance and concentration that led the Club, in this first half of the year, to the best performance among all in the national scenario.

Flamengo will continue to work seriously, pursuing its sporting goals, taking technical care of the health of its athletes, investing in a high-level team and strengthening its squad with national team-level players ,” the club wrote.

DE LA CRUZ REACTED NEGATIVELY

Nico De la Cruz's staff responded strongly after a message attributed to José Luiz Runco, Flamengo's head of medical department, regarding the player's medical condition was leaked. In an official statement, the Uruguayan's representatives called the action unethical and promised to evaluate the appropriate measures .

"We were taken aback by this statement from the club's Medical Director. Firstly, it's neither correct nor ethical for a professional who has played for the national team. We will seek to understand with the club whether this stance is personal or institutional , and then we will analyze the appropriate measures," the statement reads.



Soccer

What's up? Former coach says Flamengo and Internacional are in a 'slump'

Former commander who worked for both Mengão and Colorado sees the match as even and doesn't hide his support for the Rio Grande do Sul club

Abel Braga says Flamengo and Internacional face each other at a low point - Photo: Adriano Fontes/Flamengo
Abel Braga says Flamengo and Internacional face each other at a low point - Photo: Adriano Fontes/Flamengo

13 Ago 2025 | 18:00 |

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Flamengo and Internacional face each other this Wednesday (13), at Maracanã, for the first leg of the round of 16 of the Conmebol Libertadores. The return duel is scheduled for August 20, at Beira-Rio. Abel Braga, former coach with spells at both clubs, assessed that both teams arrive at the clash experiencing periods of instability .


Abel Braga on Flamengo and Internacional: "neither is at its best"


"It's an extremely close game. Flamengo hasn't been able to maintain a winning streak of four, five, or six wins . They're also coming off an elimination. Inter, which wasn't doing well, managed three or four 1-0 wins and made a significant leap forward. It has all the makings of a great game, but the truth is that neither team is at their best," Abel analyzed in an interview with GE.


The coach also highlighted the strengths of each team: "I hope it's a great game. Both Flamengo and Inter have the squads to put on a great show. Flamengo, with their usual high-pressing . Inter, with their surprising passing from one side to the other, especially with Wesley. It's hard to imagine Flamengo man-marking Alan Patrick," he concluded.

TEAMS' MOMENT IN THE SEASON


Under Filipe Luís, Flamengo was eliminated from the Copa do Brasil, but remains the undisputed leader of the Brasileirão, despite having played a game less . In its last ten games, the team has six wins, one draw, and three losses. Internacional, meanwhile, has won four, drawn two, and lost four in the same period. The pressure on coach Roger Machado is mounting at the Rio Grande do Sul club.

GAME DATE AND TIME

The clash between Flamengo and Internacional takes place this Wednesday (13), at 9:30 pm (Brasília time), at Maracanã , for the first leg of the round of 16 of the Libertadores. The decisive duel will be on August 20, at Beira-Rio. The match will be broadcast by Globo, ESPN and Disney+.


Soccer

Zico previews the duel between Flamengo and Internacional: “a remarkable game…”

Mengão hosts Colorado in the first leg at Maracanã this Wednesday (13) and the club's biggest idol laments that a Brazilian will be eliminated

Zico predicts a duel between Flamengo and Internacional in the round of 16 of the Libertadores - Photo: Léo José/Coluna do Fla
Zico predicts a duel between Flamengo and Internacional in the round of 16 of the Libertadores - Photo: Léo José/Coluna do Fla

13 Ago 2025 | 17:00 |

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Flamengo hosts Internacional this Wednesday (13), at Maracanã , for the first leg of the round of 16 of the Conmebol Libertadores. Before the duel in Rio de Janeiro, Zico analyzed the confrontation, praised both teams and highlighted the importance of the home factor for Mais Querido.


Zico previews the duel: "In recent years, Flamengo and Internacional have played great matches"


"It's a remarkable game, it's a shame that a Brazilian team has to say goodbye to the competition. In recent years, Flamengo and Internacional have played great matches, and , fortunately for us, most of the victories have been ours ," Zico said in an interview with Rádio Gaúcha.


The Flamengo idol also highlighted the evenly matched performance and both teams' positive home records: "Playing at Maracanã, Flamengo always comes in as a slight favorite, but not overly so . In knockout matches, just like in the South, Inter also has its strengths. If you look at the teams' home records, their success rates are always very high," concluded the Galinho de Quintino.

FLAMENGO'S PERFORMANCE AS HOME TEAM


This season, Flamengo has been consistent at Maracanã. Under Filipe Luís, the team has played 23 matches at the stadium, winning 16 , drawing three, and losing only four. In the Brasileirão, Mengão has conceded just two goals at home.

DATE, TIME AND TRANSMISSION

Flamengo x Internacional will be played this Wednesday (13), at 9:30 pm (Brasília time), at Maracanã, for the first leg of the round of 16 of the Libertadores. The match will be broadcast by Rede Globo (open TV), ESPN (closed TV) and Disney+ (streaming).


Soccer

Vitinho is introduced to Corinthians and meets up with three former Flamengo teammates

New striker for Alvinegro Paulista arrives to reinforce the attack, reunites with Hugo Souza, Gustavo Henrique and Matheuzinho and comments on expectations

Vitinho, ex-Flamengo, is presented at Corinthians and meets Hugo Souza, Gustavo Henrique and Matheuzinho again - photo: reproduction
Vitinho, ex-Flamengo, is presented at Corinthians and meets Hugo Souza, Gustavo Henrique and Matheuzinho again - photo: reproduction

13 Ago 2025 | 15:45 |

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Striker Vitinho, recently signed by Corinthians , was officially presented at the São Paulo club this Tuesday. The former Flamengo player highlighted the warm welcome he received from Hugo Souza, Gustavo Henrique and Matheuzinho , players who played alongside him at Rubro-Negro.


"Matheuzinho (full-back) kept asking me if I was coming and I couldn't talk. He was a bit anxious, he wanted me to come and be here with him. They welcomed me with open arms, and that makes things much easier. I had this moment of welcoming them to the base. And now it's the other way around. Gustavo Henrique (defender) is someone with whom I have a very good relationship. It's good to be here with them," said Vitinho.


EX-FLAMENGO AWAITS DEBUT


Despite his expected debut, Vitinho still doesn't have a confirmed date for his appearance for Corinthians . The striker emphasized that he needs time to adapt and be fully prepared physically.

Former Flamengo player Vitinho admits his anxiety at Corinthians: "I'm looking forward to my debut"


"I'm really looking forward to starting to play. But I really need some time. The staff is very qualified to get me in playing condition. I'm looking forward to making my debut, in the best possible conditions , given the situation we're experiencing today," said the new number 29.

PASSAGE THROUGH FLAMENGO

Vitinho played for Flamengo between 2018 and 2022, winning nine titles during his time there, including the Brasileirão, Copa Libertadores, Supercopa do Brasil, and Campeonato Carioca. At the São Paulo club, he reunites with former teammates with whom he played for Flamengo 's youth academy and first team, strengthening his connection with the group.




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