IN THE SIGHTS OF FLAMENGO, ALLAN HAS BEEN MISSED FROM ATLÉTICO-MG FOR 2 MONTHS

This Monday (14), Flamengo rejected Cruzeiro's proposal to buy Matheus Gonçalves . Thus, amidst the Mais Querido's refusal, Gabigol, current center forward of the Minas Gerais team, had an unusual attitude on social media.

In a post on X, formerly Twitter, Gabigol posted three emojis. The first looked like a doll with a zipper on its mouth, while the second had an annoyed expression. The last one clearly represented a frown, as if he didn't like something.

GABIGOL AND MATHEUS GONÇALVES

It's worth noting that Matheus Gonçalves and Gabigol previously played together at Flamengo. However, with Flamengo refusing to sign the young midfielder against Cruzeiro, the reunion between the players was postponed.

FLAMENGO'S REFUSAL TO CRUZEIRO

Flamengo and Cruzeiro discussed a possible negotiation for Matheus Gonçalves, with values of 3.5 million euros (R$ 22.5 million) for 50% of the player's economic rights. However, the Mais Querido's board understood that the offered value was below expectations and, therefore, the Football Department decided to end the negotiation.

This past Monday (14), Flamengo presented the new executive director of the youth categories , in a press conference held at CT Ninho do Urubu. Alfredo Almeida's interview was marked by a controversial speech, which culminated in a formal apology from the professional.

UNDERSTAND THE CASE

During the press conference, Alfredo was asked about the essence of Brazilian football and the need to recapture the "magic" in developing athletes. The manager made a comparison between players from different continents, which sparked criticism on social media.

Alfredo Almeida compares players from different continents: "What the Brazilian athlete has, probably doesn't exist anywhere else in the world."

He continued: "It has to do with the gift, the magic, the irreverence, the ball being part of the body. Then, there are other areas of the globe where there are other strengths. For example, Africa has physical strengths like almost no other part of the world. If we want to get to the mental side, we have to go to other areas of Europe, of the globe," said Almeida .

RETRACTION

Thus, the statement, which broadly associates technical, physical, and mental characteristics with specific continents, received negative repercussions. Following this, Flamengo's press office issued an official statement , published by GE, in which the director retracted his statement.

"A specific part of my speech, isolated from the general context, ended up generating interpretations that in no way reflect my thoughts. Therefore, I apologize if the way I expressed myself caused any discomfort ," the Portuguese said in the statement.

CHECK OUT THE NOTE IN FULL:

"During the press conference for my presentation as director of Flamengo 's youth academy, I gave a broader explanation about the different profiles of athletes around the world and the skills that are usually observed by clubs in the training and recruitment process.

A specific part of my speech, isolated from the general context, ended up generating interpretations that in no way reflect my thoughts. Therefore, I apologize if the way I expressed myself caused any discomfort. There was never the slightest intention to sound discriminatory.

I'm fully aware that there are athletes with great tactical ability in African football, just as there are European players with enormous creative talent and Brazilians with impressive physical strength. Players' characteristics aren't limited to their geographic origin.

I reiterate my respect for all cultures, peoples, and schools of football. I remain committed to Flamengo's development work, guided by values such as inclusion, diversity, ethics, and the comprehensive development of our athletes.

Flamengo faces Bayer Leverkusen next Friday (18), in a friendly match in Rio de Janeiro. Thus, Fernando Carro, CEO of the German team, spoke about the partnership with Mais Querido for the pre-season clash. In addition, the director took the opportunity to praise the structure of Rubro-Negro.

Bayer director talks about partnership with Flamengo: "The fact that they have a similar global vision to ours also helps, and our colors also complement each other."

He continued: "Flamengo is one of the great traditional powers of Brazilian football, and we started a dialogue with them that involved the use of the training center and the holding of a friendly at the Estádio da Gávea ," said Fernando Carro, CEO of Bayer Leverkusen.

FRIENDLY MATCH BETWEEN FLAMENGO X BAYER

Thus, the Garotos do Ninho will face the main team of Bayer Leverkusen in a friendly this Friday (18), at 3 pm, at Estádio da Gávea, in Rio de Janeiro. The match will serve as preparation for the German team for the next season.

CONTEXT

With an eye on preseason, Bayer Leverkusen will spend ten days in Brazil for training and a friendly against Flamengo U-20. The German team has undergone a roster restructuring, as key players have left the club, including coach Xabi Alonso, who now manages Real Madrid.