Beltrán says Fiorentina cleared Flamengo move but he chose Europe | OneFootball

Lucas Beltrán says Fiorentina approved a move to Flamengo last year, but he decided to remain in Europe rather than return to South America.

"The interest from Flamengo was concrete, they pushed to sign me. Fiorentina gave the green light, but it was my decision. It was hard to say no, and I do not regret it for now because I wanted to stay in Europe," said Beltrán, speaking to YouTube channel Ezzequiel.

Flamengo offered €15 million (R$ 95 million), which Fiorentina accepted, but Beltrán turned it down. The 24-year-old has been on loan at Valencia since September, scoring three times in 17 matches.

He added that, had he joined, he would have competed with Pedro, whom he considers the best Brazilian centre-forward today.

Beltrán also ranked Flamengo among South America’s top three clubs, alongside Boca Juniors and River Plate. He came through at River and played for Colón before moving to Europe.

Without Beltrán, Flamengo finished last year with Pedro as the reference up front. Filipe Luís used Bruno Henrique and Gonzalo Plata in improvised roles. Juninho, rarely used, has since been sold to Pumas.

Flamengo remain keen on Cruzeiro’s Kaio Jorge, and on Thursday 08 Cruzeiro rejected an offer worth more than R$ 188 million. Shakhtar Donetsk forward Kauã Elias is also on their radar.

Source: Coluna Do Fla