Boto backs Flamengo player after criticism ahead of Libertadores final | OneFootball

Flamengo announced Juninho in January of this year

Flamengo is focused in Lima for the final of the Copa Libertadores, and Juninho remains part of the squad for the match against Palmeiras. Before the game, José Boto defended the signing of the striker from the criticism the player has been receiving this season.

— Juninho was the best market option available at the time he was signed. He is a player who, whenever called upon, has delivered positive performances and decisive goals, in the Libertadores, the Carioca, and the Brasileirão — said José Boto, in an interview with the Portuguese newspaper ‘A Bola’.

— Obviously, people always expect any player signed to be an undisputed starter and score 50 goals, but we knew what we were bringing him in for, and he is meeting the objectives. We are satisfied with the signing — concluded the Flamengo executive.

WHAT IS THE REASON FOR THE CRITICISM?

Flamengo announced the signing of Juninho in January of this year, right after Luiz Eduardo Baptista became club president. O Mais Querido spent 5 million euros (R$ 31 million at the exchange rate at the time) to sign him from Qarabag (AZE).

However, Juninho has not taken off at Flamengo. The striker has played in 31 matches this season for the club. During this period, he scored only four goals and did not provide any assists.

WHEN DOES FLAMENGO PLAY?

Thus, with Juninho available, Flamengo will take the field this Saturday (29), against Palmeiras, at 6:00 p.m. (Brasília time), in Lima, for the final of the Copa Libertadores. As usual, Coluna do Fla brings you all the information about the match.

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