Former Flamengo player Jean Lucas doesn't hide his gratitude upon joining the national team.

This Thursday's (4) clash between Brazil and Chile , valid for the penultimate round of the Qualifiers, could mark Samuel Lino's debut with the National Team's shirt. The Mais Querido striker was called up by Carlo Ancelotti after Matheus Cunha's injury. The match will be played at 9:30 pm (Brasília time), at Maracanã.

In an interview with CBF TV, the left winger expressed surprise at the unexpected call-up. " It was a surprise, because the call-up had already been made, and unfortunately, Matheus got injured, " said Samuel Lino , expressing joy at the opportunity.

SAMUEL LINO TELLS BEHIND THE SCENES

According to the player, the call-up was received in an unusual way while he was in the concentration for the match against Grêmio, last Sunday (31), for Brasileirão Betano. He revealed that the news came through a friend during his rest.

“ I said, 'Why are you sending this?' Then he said, 'You've been called up.' I said, 'Are you crazy? What are you talking about? ' Soon after, he added, "I looked at it and said, 'That's a lie.' I was so happy," the athlete declared.

TIPS FROM FLAMENGO COLLEAGUES

Samuel Lino also highlighted the advice he received from more experienced teammates who have already worn the national team jersey. Danilo and Alex Sandro, players with extensive international experience , shared tips for the striker to make the most of his current situation.

" Danilo said the people here are relaxed, and he also talked about the situation of speaking. Alex Sandro also gave me some tips ," the striker commented in a relaxed tone. Now, the expectation is to see if Samuel Lino will get the chance to step onto the field and begin his career with the national team in front of the fans at Maracanã.

Flamengo striker Bruno Henrique was tried this Thursday (4) by the 1st Disciplinary Committee of the Superior Court of Sports Justice (STJD), in Rio de Janeiro. Accused of alleged participation in manipulation of results linked to sports betting , the player made a brief statement and declared confidence in the court.

"Good afternoon, President. Good afternoon everyone. I would like to reaffirm my innocence and say that I trust the Sports Court. I never committed the offenses I'm accused of . My lawyers are here and will speak for me during my defense. I want to show my respect and complete trust in the Court and wish everyone an excellent trial. May everything proceed smoothly and fairly. Good afternoon everyone," said the player.

PROCESS IS STILL ONGOING

The session lasted about three hours and concluded with the Disciplinary Committee's decision to keep the case ongoing. The athlete's defense requested recognition of the 60-day statute of limitations from the time the complaint was filed by the Superior Court of Justice (STJD ) Prosecutor's Office, but the request was denied.

Attorney Michel Asseff Filho emphasized Flamengo 's support for the striker. " Flamengo reiterates its position of compliance with the rules and its complete condemnation of any act of match-fixing. That's exactly why Flamengo is here: to show support for its athlete. And to ensure that, at the end of this process, we achieve justice. To date, perhaps never before in a match-fixing case like this has a club stood by its athlete. That's why Flamengo is here," he stated.

DETAILS OF THE COMPLAINT FILED

The trial began with a reading of the Prosecutor's Office's complaint and the report by reporting auditor Alcino Guedes, which included excerpts of messages exchanged between Bruno Henrique and his brother, Wander. The defenses of Claudinei Vitor and Douglas Ribeiro, friends of Wander, were also considered, arguing that the statute of limitations had expired.

Flamengo made four signings in the last transfer window for Filipe Luís' squad: Saúl Ñíguez, Samuel Lino, Emerson Royal, and Jorge Carrascal . After the transfer window closed, journalist André Rizek of Grupo Globo assessed the signings and noted that some players still need to adapt to meet the Rio de Janeiro club's expectations.

" I think the technical aspects of Jorginho, Saúl, and Samu Lino are impressive. I think Emerson Royal and Carrascal are a step below, and they're options to rotate the squad ," Rizek commented in a video posted on social media. According to him, while some new signings are already showing satisfactory performance, others are still adapting to the Mais Querido's style and rhythm.

INVESTMENTS MADE BY FLAMENGO

With Wesley's departure to Roma (ITA), Mengão went to the transfer market and signed Emerson Royal, formerly of Milan, for nine million euros (approximately R$57 million). Jorge Carrascal was acquired from Dynamo Moscow (RUS) for 12 million euros (approximately R$76 million). In total, the Rio de Janeiro club invested R$133 million in these two signings alone.

So far, Emerson Royal has played in five matches for Flamengo, without scoring or providing assists. Jorge Carrascal continues to adapt to the club 's routine and has yet to start, having appeared in three games so far.

FLAMENGO'S NEXT CHALLENGE

Flamengo's next match will be on September 14th, against Juventude, at 4 pm, at Alfredo Jaconi Stadium, in the 23rd round of the Brazilian Championship. New signings Emerson Royal and Jorge Carrascal will be available to coach Filipe Luís for the match.