Ex-Flamengo doctor Runco speaks out after De La Cruz sacking row | OneFootball

José Luiz Runco left Flamengo after message was leaked in WhatsApp groups

One of the first actions taken by Luiz Eduardo Baptista upon assuming the presidency of Flamengo was to change the leadership of the medical department. Thus, José Luiz Runco returned to the club for the current administration. However, his tenure lasted only until July.

In a WhatsApp group, Runco wrote that De La Cruz has a “chronic and irreparable injury in his right knee.” The message was leaked, caused friction with the representatives of the Flamengo midfielder, and resulted in the dismissal of the experienced doctor, who spoke for the first time about the matter.

WHAT DID RUNCO SAY?

— Once again, they used a statement of mine, which was intended for a medical professional. If you read it, I mention the person's name. A fellow doctor by profession, and unfortunately, instead of sending it privately, I sent it to a group. Someone in the group leaked it and made a big fuss — said Runco.

— I understand that among professionals, especially among players, there is a sense of protection. I don’t want to stir up controversy, but I’ll tell you one thing. Time is the best weapon we have in life. If I was unfortunate in my comments, time will tell. If I had a point of view with reasonable considerations, time will tell. I don’t want to get into controversy — added the doctor, in an interview on the podcast ‘Mundo GV’, hosted by former Mengão goalkeeper Getúlio Vargas.

WHAT WAS THE REPERCUSSION OF RUNCO'S STATEMENT?

After the situation, which ended with Runco’s dismissal on July 23, De La Cruz and his Uruguayan teammates at Flamengo spoke out against the doctor. Varela, Viña and especially Arrascaeta did not hide their outrage over the situation.

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