Soccer

Zico criticizes Flamengo’s stance with David Luiz: “you have to talk eye to eye”

Mengão decided not to renew with the defender who has a contract until December 31st and the defender claims he was not informed of the decision

Zico criticizes Flamengo's stance in the case of David Luiz - Photo: Reproduction
Zico criticizes Flamengo's stance in the case of David Luiz - Photo: Reproduction

29 Dez 2024 | 10:34 |

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After more than three years defending Flamengo, David Luiz ended his spell at the club , but not without controversy. The defender revealed his dissatisfaction to discover the non-renewal of contract through social networks club. During the All-Star Game, organized by Zico, the former red-black player expressed his frustration, while the Mengão idol also criticized the board's stance.


Zico criticizes the board's decision


For Zico, the Flamengo made a mistake by not directly communicating the player:


“I wouldn't do that. The first person to be notified must be the player. We have to talk eye to eye, this is friendship and respect. I’m happy that he’s here today and I hope he’s very happy wherever he goes”, declared Gávea’s eternal number 10.

David Luiz vents about output


In an interview before entering the field, David Luiz thanked his time at Flamengo, but highlighted the frustration with the way the exit was handled:

“They didn't call me. Unfortunately, I found out on social media. This may be the only bit of annoyance I had during my time at Flamengo. I have always valued frank, loyal relationships. I had and still have good relationships with most of the employees and players. The least I deserved was a man-to-man call, but unfortunately, that didn't happen,” said the player.

Board decision

The non-renewal was defined by the new football director, José Boto, after a meeting with coach Filipe Luís. Two factors influenced the decision: the player's age, 37 years old, and his high salary, around R$ 1.5 million monthly. In the publication where it announced that it would not extend the defender's contract, Flamengo reported that it had communicated David Luiz about the decision.

Proposals from other clubs

Even outside Flamengo, David Luiz continues to arouse interest in the national market. Vasco, Corinthians and Fortaleza are some of the interested clubs, and the player has already received an official proposal from one of the teams. The definition of its future should take place in the first days of 2025.


Soccer

Flamengo registra pior desempenho ofensivo da temporada

Mengão vem de sequência de partidas com dificuldade para balançar as redes adversárias, o que contribuiu para resultados abaixo do esperado

Flamengo only scored goals in two of the last five matches it played this season - Photo: Gilvan de Souza/Flamengo
Flamengo only scored goals in two of the last five matches it played this season - Photo: Gilvan de Souza/Flamengo

08 Out 2025 | 12:44 |

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O Flamengo vive uma pausa nos gramados por conta da Data FIFA, mas o momento recente da equipe acende um alerta. Nos últimos cinco jogos da temporada, o time marcou apenas três gols e venceu uma única partida.


DESEMPENHO RECENTE


Nos compromissos mais recentes, o Flamengo venceu apenas o Corinthians, por 2 a 1, de virada, pela 25ª rodada do Brasileirão. Além disso, empatou com Vasco e Cruzeiro, e foi derrotado pelo Estudiantes (Libertadores) e pelo Bahia (Brasileirão). Durante esse período, o time passou em branco em três partidas, um desempenho ofensivo bem abaixo do esperado para um elenco estrelado.


DIFICULDADES NO ATAQUE

O ataque rubro-negro tem sido motivo de preocupação para Filipe Luís. Nos últimos dez jogos, o treinador repetiu a linha ofensiva apenas uma vez, o trio formado por Gonzalo Plata, Samuel Lino e Pedro, que esteve junto na goleada por 8 a 0 sobre o Vitória e no empate em 1 a 1 com o Grêmio. A falta de continuidade e as mudanças frequentes têm impactado a fluidez ofensiva do time, que sofre para transformar posse de bola em chances claras.


DATA FIFA SERVE COMO RESPIRO

Com a paralisação do calendário, Filipe Luís aproveita o período para recuperar jogadores desgastados e corrigir falhas táticas. A derrota para o Bahia, por 1 a 0, custou a liderança do Brasileirão, agora ocupada pelo Palmeiras. Ambas as equipes somam 55 pontos, mas o Flamengo está em segundo lugar devido ao critério de vitórias, vantagem do time paulista.

PRÓXIMO COMPROMISSO

O retorno do Flamengo aos gramados será no dia 15 de outubro, contra o Botafogo, às 19h30 (horário de Brasília), no Estádio Nilton Santos, pela 28ª rodada do Brasileirão. O clássico será transmitido ao vivo pelo Premiere (pay-per-view) e promete ser um teste importante para medir a resposta do elenco após a pausa da Data FIFA.


Soccer

Exclusive: Is Gerson, formerly of Flamengo, in talks with Palmeiras? We found out!

Exclusive investigation indicates that the midfielder is focused on Zenit and is not in talks with the São Paulo team; Mengão focuses on renewals for 2025

Former Flamengo player Gerson continues his recovery at Zenit; investigation indicates that there are no negotiations with Palmeiras - photo: reproduction
Former Flamengo player Gerson continues his recovery at Zenit; investigation indicates that there are no negotiations with Palmeiras - photo: reproduction

08 Out 2025 | 12:40 |

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According to information released by journalist Felippe Facincani, Gerson would be willing to return to Brazilian football and had held initial talks with Palmeiras. However, an investigation by Gazeta do Urubu indicates that this information is untrue. The midfielder has been at Zenit for four months and has yet to make his full debut for the Russian club, as he is recovering from an injury suffered shortly after his arrival.


The player hasn't played in 50 days and hasn't even participated in a single official match for the St. Petersburg team . Therefore, negotiations with any Brazilian team are unlikely at this time. Sources close to the player assure that he remains focused on recovery and regaining his place in the Zenit squad.


FLAMENGO REMAINS OFF THE RADAR


Flamengo 's name was even considered, but a return is practically ruled out. The relationship between Marcão, Gerson's father and agent, and the Flamengo board has remained strained since the player's tumultuous departure. Furthermore, the squad already boasts recent midfield reinforcements like Jorginho and Saúl, which eliminates the need for new signings in that area.

On Palmeiras' side, although coach Abel Ferreira has been mentioned in some speculation, the São Paulo club is not in talks with the player. The investigation itself confirms that, to date, there has been no formal contact or concrete interest from the Palmeiras board.


FLAMENGO PRIORITIZES RENEWALS

While Gerson seeks a place in Russia, Flamengo 's board focuses its efforts on securing the continued presence of key players. José Boto is working on extending Giorgian De Arrascaeta's contract until 2028 , reinforcing the club's long-term sporting plan.


Soccer

Former Flamengo player Gerson is in talks with Palmeiras for 2026

The midfielder would be willing to return to Brazilian football, and representatives are in contact with the São Paulo team; Zenit agrees to negotiate in January

Gerson could return to Brazil and is in talks with Palmeiras, while Flamengo focuses on renewals - photo: reproduction
Gerson could return to Brazil and is in talks with Palmeiras, while Flamengo focuses on renewals - photo: reproduction

08 Out 2025 | 12:26 |

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According to journalist Felippe Facincani, midfielder Gerson is reportedly interested in returning to Brazil next season . His staff is in initial talks with Palmeiras , although the process is still in the preliminary stages. The player, currently at Zenit, was acquired for €25 million (approximately R$157 million), which represents a financial obstacle for any interested Brazilian club.


The Russian team's board is reportedly willing to release the player in January , provided they receive a satisfactory offer. However, Gerson hasn't been a regular starter in Zenit's squad, which facilitates a possible negotiation.


RIFT WITH THE RUBRO-NEGRA BOARD


A return to Flamengo is considered unlikely at this point. The relationship between Marcão, Gerson's father and agent, and the Flamengo board has remained strained since the player's tumultuous departure . Furthermore, the club recently signed defensive midfielders Jorginho and Saúl, bolstering the midfield and reducing the need for further investments in that area.

On the green and white side, Palmeiras appears to be the most viable option, mainly because it offers the player greater visibility. Gerson's goal is to play in the 2026 World Cup, and the showcase of Brazilian football could help him regain his place on the national team. Coach Abel Ferreira has reportedly already given the green light for a possible deal, although sources close to Gazeta do Urubu indicate that negotiations are currently underway.


FLAMENGO FOCUSED ON RENEWALS

While Gerson decides his future in Europe, Mengão's board is focusing its efforts on retaining key players . Executive director José Boto is working on extending Giorgian De Arrascaeta's contract until 2028, aiming to ensure the Uruguayan midfielder remains a cornerstone of the team.


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