Gabigol Rules Out Immediate Departure from Flamengo

Targeted by Palmeiras, the striker’s return to the field against Fortaleza was not just a game, but a significant moment that marked a pivotal turn in his career and the future of the team.

After missing three games due to negotiations with Palmeiras, Gabigol was again included in Flamengo’s squad and played in the second half of their 2-1 defeat to Fortaleza on Thursday night at Maracanã. Following the match, the Flamengo star, who Palmeiras is pursuing, addressed the media and confirmed he would not be leaving the club during this mid-year transfer window:

“I have a contract with Flamengo until December, as everyone knows. I’ll stay until December, and then we’ll have time to discuss this with Flamengo and the other teams. That’s open, but it’s more up to my father and agent. My focus is to play, get back into rhythm, and help Flamengo.”

Gabigol acknowledged that there were negotiations, without specifying any clubs, due to his reduced playing time at Flamengo. He also clarified that his absence from recent games was a mutual decision rather than him being sidelined. He revealed that it has been decided he will leave in December when his contract ends:

Firstly, it wasn’t a departure but a mutual decision. Yes, I could leave now because of the minutes played and because I need more game time. I respect the coach’s decision and believe he will always do what’s best for the team. But I need minutes to get into a rhythm, which can only be achieved by playing. We mutually agreed to talk and decided to wait a bit. Everyone knows there were some negotiations. Since it was decided that I would leave in December, I returned to the game and was very happy to come on today. It’s a shame it wasn’t with a victory, but the fairness and transparency in our decision-making process is something I deeply appreciate.

With his return to action, Gabigol’s role in the team’s future is solidified. The decision about his future seems set, and the anticipation and excitement for his performance until the end of the year is palpable.