
Soccer
29 Fev 2024 | 08:51 |
Flamengo returns to the field next Saturday (02), seeking to confirm the Guanabara Cup title, in a game against Madureira in the 11th round of the Carioca Championship. Second red-black reinforcement for the season, De La Cruz projected the first year with the Sacred Mantle.
In an interview with 'FlaTV', this Wednesday (28), De La Cruz was asked about the perception regarding the team and title chances. Therefore, the Uruguayan replied: “We can win a lot of things. The team is close to the fans, the board, the coaching staff. We are going to achieve many things.”
In addition, the Uruguayan revealed that he asks Arrascaeta for help when he doesn't understand Tite's Portuguese. Despite this, the number 18 stated that the language of football is unique and this makes it easier to understand.
— His (Tite) Portuguese is not very closed, it is easy to understand. And if I have any questions… Rock on (laughs)! Football is a unique language: enter, sale (exit), ladrón (thief)... This is new to me (laughs). In Uruguay it is “te llevan”. When you say “te llevan”, it is because someone is coming from behind to take the ball - said De La Cruz.
ARRIVAL AT FLAMENGO
De La Cruz was the first reinforcement announced by Flamengo for the 2024 season. The midfielder arrived after long negotiations between Mais Querido and River Plate (ARG). A long-time wish of Rubro-Negro, the player even talked to Fla in mid-2023, but the negotiations were only confirmed at the end of last year.
To sign De La Cruz, Flamengo agreed to pay the fine for the midfielder's release from River Plate. The amount was approximately 16 million dollars, that is, approximately R$ 78 million.
The striker remains in high regard with the club's president and Xabi Alonso admits he likes the player, but the number 7 needs to show change.
14 Ago 2025 | 15:30 |
The relationship between Vinícius Júnior and Real Madrid appears to be strained . Having scored decisive goals in two Champions League finals, the Brazilian now finds his starting spot at the Santiago Bernabéu in doubt . Despite this, club president Florentino Pérez continues to express confidence in the Flamengo youth product.
The Athletic on Vini Jr at Real Madrid: "He needs to evolve and will no longer be irreplaceable"
According to the renowned portal The Athletic, which interviewed members of the coaching staff, people close to the player and club employees — all anonymous — there is an internal perception that the striker needs to improve his performance .
"A source said that Vinícius Júnior needs to evolve and that he will no longer be irreplaceable if he continues playing the same way. This change in status would not be difficult for teammates, fans, and the team to assimilate ," reported journalist Mario Cortegana.
A trusted man of Carlo Ancelotti, Vini now works under Xabi Alonso. The transition began with a frustrating episode: in the Club World Cup defeat to PSG , the Brazilian was deployed on the right, while Mbappé played on the left wing and Gonzalo García played as a center forward.
Even so, Alonso's first impression of the number 7 was positive. "I didn't know Vini. He's a very passionate player; I like having that kind of athlete . The best way to use him and his ideal position is what we need to figure out now. What I've seen in the first few days is that he has a very good heart," the coach declared.
Despite the tense moment, Vinícius Júnior maintains an impressive record at Real Madrid . In 322 appearances, he has 106 goals and 86 assists, including two Champions League-clinching strikes in the 2022 and 2024 finals.
The former number 9 was considered one of the greatest idols in the club's history due to his goals in recent victories, but BH27 remains very important.
14 Ago 2025 | 14:30 |
Decisive as usual, Bruno Henrique scored the goal that guaranteed Flamengo's 1-0 victory over Internacional , this Wednesday (13), in the round of 16 of the Libertadores. For journalist Thiago Asmar, Pilhado, the number 27 reaffirms his reputation as a decisive player and is already among the greatest idols in the club's history .
Thiago Asmar: "Bruno Henrique has already surpassed Gabigol in idolatry at Flamengo"
"It's impressive how much Bruno Henrique decides in big games , how much he takes responsibility in knockout matches , when the pressure is on, a packed Maracanã," Pilhado noted. The numbers support this analysis: in the Libertadores knockout stages alone, BH27 has 16 direct goal contributions in 21 matches—12 goals and four assists.
The journalist reinforced that BH is solidifying himself as one of the club's most important names. " He's steadily establishing himself as one of the most decisive players in Flamengo 's history. Today, Bruno Henrique is one of the most decisive players in the club's history," he added.
Undisputed idols of a generation, Bruno Henrique and Gabigol made their mark at Flamengo . Although some fans place Gabriel second only to Zico in the Flamengo pantheon , Pilhado believes that the current number 27 has already surpassed the club's former striker, now at Cruzeiro.
"In my opinion, Bruno Henrique has already surpassed Gabigol in idolatry at Flamengo. Gabigol left controversially, while Bruno Henrique stayed and continues to be decisive. He was instrumental in the Brazilian Super Cup title and, once again, this time in the Libertadores . He's a guy who, when the game is big, has to get the ball to him," he stated.
Gabigol left Flamengo after disagreements with the previous management , led by Rodolfo Landim. Without a contract renewal agreement and with declining performance, the striker signed with Cruzeiro, where he is currently a reserve.
The striker believes that joining Mengão is the best path for his career and is seeking a solution with the Roma club.
14 Ago 2025 | 13:24 |
Flamengo is still in the market for a striker and has until September 2nd to complete negotiations before the transfer window closes. Among the names being discussed, Fiorentina's Lucas Beltrán has emerged as an option, but Lazio's Taty Castellanos is once again gaining traction .
According to Europa Calcio, the Rubro-Negro is in talks to sign the Argentine and now has an important factor in mind: the player's own interest, something that wasn't present in the initial negotiations . Castellanos is reportedly more open to moving to the Rio de Janeiro club, which has led to an intensification of negotiations in recent hours.
The goal is to close the deal in the coming weeks. Lazio should be notified soon of the progress, and a meeting between president Claudio Lotito and the player's staff is already scheduled to align interests. If Flamengo presents a convincing offer, Castellanos is likely to formally express his desire to play in Brazil . However, a source confirmed to Gazeta do Urubu that Mengão stopped pursuing the striker after their first offer was rejected .
According to the Italian website, the sale of Castellanos is seen as strategic by Lazio, which intends to free up resources to strengthen other areas of the squad . The publication adds that the striker's future "seems increasingly distant from Rome and closer to Rio de Janeiro."
The potential arrival at Flamengo is seen as a significant addition to the squad , bringing in a player accustomed to the pressure of performing at a high level and with experience in international football. Flamengo is seeking a forward with different characteristics than Pedro, the current number 9.