Argentine legend Batistuta on why he turned down Flamengo: “It hurt…” | OneFootball

Who did Flamengo announce as Batistuta’s replacement?

The greatest Flamengo player named Gabriel in the club’s history is Gabigol. However, the Rubro-Negro story could have had a different plot if Batistuta had accepted the proposal from the Most Beloved. Still, the former Argentine player said retirement was imminent.

— Yes, there was interest (from Flamengo). But I couldn’t play… everything hurt, I was old — said Gabriel Batistuta to CNN Brasil. The second-highest scorer in Argentina’s national team history retired at 36.

How did Flamengo try to sign Batistuta?

The Rubro-Negro proposal was on the striker’s table in 1999, but it never came to fruition. As a result, fans were upset when the Most Beloved announced the signing of Tuta for the position, a Brazilian player developed by XV de Piracicaba.

Where was Batistuta playing?

The striker hung up his boots in 2005 with 56 goals in 78 matches for the Argentina national team. The star played in the 1994, 1998 and 2002 World Cups, in addition to winning the 1991 Copa América. Batistuta began his career at Newell’s Old Boys (ARG).

The striker also played for River Plate (ARG) and Boca Juniors (ARG). He later moved to Italy, where he became a Fiorentina idol, winning a Coppa Italia and two Supercoppa titles with the club. In 2000, he was transferred to Roma (ITA), where he won the Italian title. He also had spells with Inter Milan (ITA) and Al-Arabi (QAT).

Did Batistuta say anything else?

— I didn’t do so badly (in the matches) against Brazil. But it was always with great respect. I have many Brazilian friends, I played with many of them in Italy. So I speak with the utmost respect (about Brazil) — the star emphasized.

So, is Gabigol still the Gabriel most remembered by the fans?

Even without Batistuta, Rubro-Negro fans had another Gabriel who helped Mengo win two Copa Libertadores titles, in 2019 and 2022. So, Gabigol went down in history with his goalscoring exploits and the personality that Flamengo fans embraced.

How is Flamengo doing?

Without Batistuta or Gabigol, Fla paused its official match calendar because of the World Cup. However, Rubro-Negro has unofficial commitments to keep up its match rhythm when the Brasileirão, for example, returns.

So, Mengão drew 1-1 with River Plate in the first match of the Algarve Tournament. Then, the second match in the friendly competition takes place this Wednesday (08) against Lausanne Sports (SUI).

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.