Arrascaeta on De La Cruz row: "Hard to stay focused on the pitch" | OneFootball

During an interview, Arrascaeta highlighted the importance of Flamengo’s squad unity

After Flamengo’s 2-1 victory over Red Bull Bragantino this Wednesday (23), Arrascaeta commented on the controversy involving De La Cruz and the medical department of the Rubro-Negro club. Amid the repercussion of the case, the Uruguayan highlighted the importance of shielding the squad from off-field turbulence. In a tone of venting, the number 10 lamented the difficulty of maintaining focus when situations like this are in the spotlight.

— Regardless of who it is, whether it’s Nico or another player, we have to stick together. Because it’s very difficult to stay focused on the field and in training when things like this happen. But we know that, at Flamengo, I’ve been here for six years and there are always many things going on -, Arrascaeta began, before adding:

— Even so, we need to stay focused on the field, trying to do our best. And off the field, we always try not to let this become a problem. But sometimes specific situations arise that are very difficult -, concluded the number 10, during the mixed zone at Estádio Municipal Cicero De Souza Marques.

HOW TO UNDERSTAND THE CONTROVERSY INVOLVING DE LA CRUZ?

The crisis behind the scenes at Flamengo began after a message from José Luiz Runco, then the club’s general medical director, was leaked in a WhatsApp group. In the message, Runco questioned the physical condition of De La Cruz, highlighting chronic injuries in both of the player’s knees.

Runco also stated that the sale of De La Cruz would only make sense for clubs interested in reasons other than competitive football. The statements generated a huge repercussion and, this Wednesday (24), the medical director was dismissed from Flamengo.

WHAT IS THE SITUATION WITH NICOLÁS DE LA CRUZ?

Despite his good performance in the first months of 2025, De La Cruz has faced difficulties in this second half of the year and has missed the last few games, including the matches against Santos and Fluminense, as well as the most recent match against Red Bull Bragantino. During the Club World Cup, the player took part in few activities with the squad and only played in the defeat to Bayern Munich (GER). Since then, he has not returned to the field.

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