IT'S ALWAYS SPECIAL TO WEAR THE MANtle", SAYS RONALDINHO GAÚCHO REMEMBERING THE ICONIC GAME WITH FLAMENGO

Recently, Nicolás De La Cruz received an offer from a Qatari club interested in signing him. The Uruguayan midfielder, however, decided to decline the offer and reiterated his desire to remain with the Rio de Janeiro club . According to the athlete himself, his decision is linked to the desire to repay the trust shown by the board, which invested heavily in his arrival.

Before arriving in Rio de Janeiro, the midfielder was already the subject of speculation, especially after his success with River Plate. Flamengo , which had been trying to sign him on other occasions, managed to complete the deal in December 2023. At the time, the board paid a $16 million release clause, a figure that generated great anticipation around his performance in Brazilian football.

MEDICAL CONTROVERSY AND DOUBTS

Between June and July, the Uruguayan was sidelined for seven games due to inflammation in his left knee. During this period, a controversy involving the medical department took center stage. José Luiz Runco, then the team's manager, stated in internal messages that the athlete had chronic injuries in both knees . The situation generated significant backlash and led to the club doctor's departure, raising questions about the Flamengo midfielder's physical condition.

With his gradual return to the squad, De La Cruz was included in all subsequent matches. Despite not playing against Internacional in the Libertadores, he earned minutes in the historic 8-0 rout of Vitória. Coming into the final stretch, he showed determination on the field and coincided with Jorginho's appearance, creating space for the Uruguayan to once again become a starter.

STARTING PLAYER

During the preparation for the match against Grêmio , the coach and coaching staff paid special attention to the player. The week's training sessions served as a prelude to his return to the starting lineup, something he hadn't done since the derby against Botafogo on May 18th.

The website specializing in market values, Transfermarkt, updated last Friday (5) the pricing of athletes who play in Brazilian football. The new evaluation brought changes in the selection of the most valuable by position , and Flamengo appears with four players in the ideal team.

Despite losing the lead at right-back, previously held by Emerson Royal , the club remains the most talented in terms of player numbers . With the upgrade, Palmeiras' Giay has taken over the lead at the position.

FLAMENGO IS THE CLUB WITH THE MOST REPRESENTATIVES

In the selection of the most valued, Rubro-Negro appears with four players , ahead of Palmeiras, which has three. Corinthians appears on the list with two names, while Internacional and Botafogo appear with one player each.

The team's standout player is Samuel Lino, currently Flamengo's most valuable player. Pedro, despite his devaluation, remains among the selected forwards , alongside Corinthians' Yuri Alberto and Lino himself.

CHECK OUT THE MOST VALUABLE TEAM IN THE BRAZILIAN CHAMPIONSHIP

• Hugo Souza (Corinthians)
• Giay (Palms)
• Leo Ortiz (Flamengo)
• Vitão (International)
• Piquerez (Palms)
• Danilo (Botafogo)
• Andreas Pereira (Palmeiras)
• Arrascaeta (Flamengo)
• Yuri Alberto (Corinthians)
• Samuel Lino (Flamengo)
• Pedro (Flamengo)

Flamengo idol Adriano Imperador stated in an interview that he played more than some of the biggest names in world football. With a career marked by talent, physical strength, and humility , "Didico" continues to be fondly remembered by Flamengo fans.

During an appearance on the show Boteco do Chula, Adriano was asked if he had performed at a higher level than stars like Ronaldo, Romário, Ibrahimovic, Mbappé, Lewandowski, and Gabigol . The former player candidly stated that he considers himself superior to some of them.

In the Emperor's opinion, Kyllian Mbappé, Robert Lewandowski, and Gabigol are behind him . However, according to Adriano himself, Romário, Ibrahimovic , and Ronaldo Fenômeno are in a higher tier.

2009 BRAZILIAN CHAMPIONSHIP TITLE

Adriano's most significant connection with the club came in the 2009 Brazilian Championship . During that campaign, the striker played in 30 of the 38 rounds, scoring 19 goals and contributing four assists. With him on the field, the team recorded 15 wins, seven draws, and eight losses. This victory was decisive not only for the club's recent history, but also for the Emperor's career.

2009 ACHIEVEMENT

Adriano recalls that title as the greatest moment of his career on the field. In a recent interview with GE, he highlighted the team's unity as a determining factor in winning the trophy: " Theoretically, I was down there, the team wasn't doing well. An unforgettable title for me. The group was very good. We really came together, and that made it possible for us to be champions, for sure ."