Flamengo could face Rodrigo Muniz in the Club World Cup

Officially presented this Friday (1), striker Samuel Lino gave his first press conference as a Flamengo player. One day after making his debut in the red and black shirt, the number 16 made a point of highlighting that returning to Brazilian football does not represent a setback in his career — on the contrary .

During his conversation with reporters, Lino revealed that he had spoken with Corinthians striker Memphis Depay while on vacation in Brazil. According to him, even the Dutchman was impressed by the progress of Brazilian football .

Flamengo's Samuel Lino spoke with a Corinthians player: "I met Memphis on vacation"

"About a month ago, I said to my mother: 'Imagine me going back to Brazil, closer to my family.' I never thought about my age. The Brazilian market has grown a lot, and the World Cup showed that . I played against Botafogo in the last round [for Atlético Madrid] and they gave us a hard time. They also have a lot of quality. Football in Brazil is experiencing enormous growth. I met Memphis while on vacation in São Paulo and he commented on the development of the structure and the level of play here," said the striker.

OBJECTIVE: TROPHIES AND THE BRAZILIAN NATIONAL TEAM

At 25, Samuel Lino has played in the Champions League and six seasons in European football. Despite his success on the Old Continent, he didn't hesitate to accept Flamengo's project , aiming for titles and a spot in the 2026 World Cup with the Brazilian national team.

"When Flamengo 's interest came up, I never thought, 'I'm young, I have to stay in Europe.' I always told my agent: Flamengo is a huge club in Brazil . If it were European, it would still fight for titles. When the project is good and will help you grow, showcase your skills, and do what you love, there's no such thing as age," he added.

WHO HAS ALREADY ARRIVED AT FLAMENGO?

In addition to Samuel Lino, Flamengo has already finalized the signings of Saúl Ñíguez, Emerson Royal, and Jorge Carrascal —a deal still awaiting official announcement. The club is also still in the market and is in talks with Fiorentina for striker Lucas Beltrán.

NEXT APPOINTMENT

Flamengo returns to the field this Sunday (03), at 6:30 pm, to face Ceará at Arena Castelão, for the 18th round of the Brazilian Championship . The match will be broadcast on the Premiere channel (pay-per-view), Record and Cazé TV.

Flamengo's journey in the fight for the Brazilian Championship title continues this Sunday (03), when the team faces Ceará, at 6:30 pm (Brasília time), at Arena Castelão, for the 18th round of the competition. This Saturday (02), coach Filipe Luís released the list of players related to the confrontation .

PLAYERS RELATED BY FLAMENGO

• Goalkeepers: Dyogo Alves, Léo Nannetti and Rossi
• Defenders: Cleiton, João Victor, Léo Ortiz and Léo Pereira
• Full-backs: Varela, Matías Viña, Alex Sandro, Ayrton Lucas and Emerson Royal
• Midfielders: Allan, Arrascaeta, Evertton Araújo, Jorginho, Victor Hugo, Matheus Gonçalves and Saúl
• Forwards: Bruno Henrique, Gonzalo Plata, Juninho and Samuel Lino

RUBRO-NEGRO'S SHORTAGES

Filipe Luís is still without Michael and Danilo, both of whom have been medically injured. Nico De La Cruz remains out, undergoing physical reconditioning. Flamengo, on the other hand, will have important reinforcements for the match. Arrascaeta and Jorginho, who missed the Copa do Brasil match against Atlético-MG , are back. The recent debuts of Samuel Lino, Emerson Royal, and Saúl are also among the highlights of the call-up.

LAST MINUTE ABSENCES

Two names were left off the list for specific reasons. Luiz Araújo was rested due to physical activity management, aiming to avoid strain that could lead to muscle injuries . Goalkeeper Matheus Cunha was not included due to patellar tendinitis in his left knee. Both remained in Rio de Janeiro. Flamengo heads into the 18th round of the Brasileirão (Brazilian Championship) as leader, with 36 points. Cruzeiro, with 34, is second, but has already played one more match.

NEXT APPOINTMENT

After completing preparations this Saturday, Flamengo takes to the field this Sunday (03), at 6:30 pm , against Ceará, at Arena Castelão. The match will be broadcast live on the Premiere channel (pay-per-view), Record and on Cazé TV.

The Superior Court of Sports Justice (STJD) Prosecutor's Office has charged Flamengo striker Bruno Henrique with alleged match-fixing. In response, the number 27's defense issued a statement to the 'Coluna do Fla' portal, refuting the accusation.

Flamengo's Bruno Henrique defended: "He was punished with a card in a play in which, obviously, there wasn't even a foul"

WHAT DOES BRUNO HENRIQUE'S DEFENSE SAY?

" Bruno Henrique was booked for a play in which, obviously, there wasn't even a foul. The claim that receiving a card for this play—in which there wasn't even a foul—was intended to influence the outcome of the match or the championship is absurd . The Superior Court of Justice (STJD) itself had previously dismissed a case based on the same allegations. The athlete's defense will demonstrate that this new complaint should also be dismissed."

CAN BRUNO HENRIQUE PLAY AGAINST CEARÁ?

Despite the complaint, Bruno Henrique remains free to play until the case is judged and should be included normally for the game between Flamengo and Ceará, this Sunday (3), at 6:30 pm, for the 18th round of the Brasileirão, at Arena Castelão.

IN WHICH ARTICLES WAS IT FRAMED?

The STJD Prosecutor's Office framed the player under two articles of the Brazilian Code of Sports Justice (CBJD):

• Article 243, §1: provides for a suspension of 360 to 720 days for those who commit serious infractions related to sports ethics.
• Article 243-A: deals with conduct intended to influence the results of matches, events or competitions, with a penalty of 12 to 24 games suspension.

The complaint will still be analyzed, and the athlete will have the right to a full defense before any trial.