RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – Introduced on Wednesday as Flamengo’s reinforcement for the 2020 season, defender Gustavo Henrique wore the No. 2 jersey and disclosed at a press conference that he was cleared by striker Gabigol to settle with the club. In addition, he reiterated requests for the player to remain on the Rio de Janeiro team this year.
Gabriel came to Flamengo in 2019, on loan from Inter Milan until the end of last season. The Rio de Janeiro club has submitted a proposal to buy the player but this has not yet been closed, because the striker is waiting for moves in the European market to define his future.
“Gabigol told me that I could come with my eyes closed. I’ve charged him, saying that he has to stay so we can win trophies,” said Gustavo Henrique, who played alongside Gabriel in Santos.
Despite the closeness between them, the striker assured he had received no indication of a possible stay with Flamengo: “Concerning Gabigol, the question is for them (leaders). But I’ll be rooting for him. Everyone does their best for their career. I’m hoping he will stay,” he added.
Trained in the Santos’ youth divisions, Gustavo Henrique played only for the Vila Belmiro club until his transfer to Flamengo. The defender explained that he was looking for new challenges in his career when he decided to sign with the Rio de Janeiro team.
“They are two heavy jerseys. I played 13 years for Santos, half of my life. I needed something new, to look for new things. I need to think about the best for my family. When I got the offer, I was very excited and honored. Flamengo is a great power,” he said.
Gustavo Henrique, 26, signed a four-year contract with Flamengo. The defender came to the Rio de Janeiro team free of charge, as his ties with Santos ended at the end of January, having been rescinded at the beginning of the month by agreement between the clubs’ boards.