CAFU EXPRESSES: "THE TROUBLED ENVIRONMENT IN FLAMENGO AND THE SEARCH FOR HEGEMONY"

Gerson's departure to Zenit St. Petersburg in the last transfer window changed the course of his recent career. The midfielder, a fixture on the Brazilian national team, has not been mentioned by Carlo Ancelotti since the transfer . The deal brought in €25 million (approximately R$160 million at the time) for the Mais Querido's coffers, a sum paid upfront by the Russian club.

Luiz Henrique, Gerson 's teammate at Zenit, revealed that he maintains close contact with the former Mengão player and highlighted that both have sought to maintain focus and physical fitness for a future opportunity with the national team.

"We talk daily. Gerson and I told each other to stay 100%, because Carlo Ancelotti has already said he's monitoring all the players. It doesn't matter if the athlete is in Russia or England," said Luiz Henrique.

GERSON ON THE RADAR?

The striker also emphasized that the Brazilian national team coach has been repeating that everyone is being watched: " Just because we're in Russia doesn't mean we're no longer being seen. We're maintaining our dedication, because the opportunity can always come, " he added.

CHALLENGE IN EUROPE

Despite the multi-million dollar transfer, Gerson has yet to replicate the prominence he enjoyed at Flamengo at Zenit. In Brazil, he established himself as a starter and an important player for the national team under Carlo Ancelotti. However, his adaptation to Russian football has been more difficult, which may have contributed to his absence from recent call-ups.

The FIFA World Cup break brought a rare benefit to Flamengo's squad: free time to train and refine details on and off the field. Emerson Royal emphasized that the break was crucial for physical recovery and also for adjusting the team's tactical and mental aspects. The right-back emphasized that, after an intense marathon of matches, the squad was able to breathe and focus on areas that needed attention.

" This week was very important. The routine was tough, with back-to-back matches. It was good for us to take a breather and work on mistakes made during the competitions. Now it's time to come back strong to maintain our lead ," Royal said in an interview with Flamengo TV.

100% PHYSICAL CONDITION

Emerson Royal is expected to start against Juventude due to Varela's injury. The defender explained that he now feels fully recovered from the ankle injury he suffered in the first leg against Internacional in the Copa Libertadores.

He sat out one match, was benched twice, and came on in the final minutes against Grêmio. However, the athlete admitted that he wasn't yet in optimal condition during that period.

" I was on the bench, but I wasn't 100% ready to play. It was tough, the pain was intense and quite uncomfortable. But now I'm fine and ready. If Filipe needs me, I'll be able to play a great game ," the full-back added.

NEXT APPOINTMENT

With 47 points, Flamengo is in sole possession of the Brazilian Championship lead. The advantage over Cruzeiro, in second place, is three points. Filipe Luís's team faces Juventude, which occupies 18th place , this Sunday (14), at 4 pm, at the Alfredo Jaconi stadium.

Right-back Wesley ended his career at Flamengo after 136 appearances, four goals, and six assists, leaving the club with "a full heart." In an interview with GOAT, the player spoke about the mix of happiness and sadness upon accepting the transfer to Roma , fulfilling his dream of playing in Europe.

" I said I wouldn't be sad. But that day, it felt like I was saying goodbye, and part of me was. A horrible feeling, of sadness. I called my wife... ", the athlete revealed.

The player acknowledged that his departure was also due to a turbulent time at Flamengo , but highlighted that the experience at Gávea was essential for his growth as an athlete and as a person .

TRANSFER TO ROME

Roma invested €25 million (R$161.4 million at the time) plus €5 million (R$32.2 million) in targets to secure Wesley. Despite having played in only two matches for the Italian club so far, the full-back has already demonstrated his attacking ability, scoring a goal while playing in defense.

AND FLAMENGO?

Flamengo returned to training last Friday afternoon (5), at Ninho do Urubu, after receiving four days off, and began preparing for the rest of the season. Rubro-Negro returns to the field on September 14 to face Juventude , at 4 pm, at Alfredo Jaconi, for the 23rd round of the Brasileirão.