Bruno Henrique: I turned down Palmeiras out of love for Flamengo | OneFootball

Bruno Henrique was close to signing with Palmeiras in 2023

At the end of 2023, Flamengo went through a ‘soap opera’ during the contract renewal process with Bruno Henrique. At the time, Palmeiras made a strong push to sign the forward. However, due to the history he had built with the Sacred Mantle since 2019, the number 27 turned down an “irresistible” offer to stay with Mengão.

— (What made me stay was) the respect and affection I have for Flamengo, and that they (the fans) have for me as well. That was the main factor for me staying. The connection I have with the club over all these years I’ve been here, I’ve always been very respected — said Bruno Henrique.

— Every time I step onto the field, it’s to give my best, to show grit and love for this jersey. Also for my family. That’s the main reason I stayed at Flamengo. The offer (from Palmeiras) was irresistible, and I turned it down to stay at Flamengo — added the Flamengo idol, in an interview this Thursday (12) on ‘Barbacast’.

HOW DID THE RENEWAL PROCESS GO IN 2023?

Initially, Flamengo wanted to renew with Bruno Henrique for one year. To entice the player, Palmeiras offered four seasons and a higher salary. Because of his history with Mengão, BH prioritized the Rubro-Negro, but negotiated improvements, mainly a longer contract with the Rio club.

Thus, the parties reached a compromise, and Bruno Henrique renewed for three years. That is, until December 2026. In fact, it is likely that a new ‘soap opera’ will unfold at the end of this year. After all, the idol will turn 36 this season and has not yet been approached to extend his contract with Mengão.

HOW IS BRUNO HENRIQUE DOING IN 2026?

Living out the final year of his contract with Flamengo, Bruno Henrique has played nine matches in 2026, with two goals and two assists. However, the Rubro-Negro idol has not played since the defeat in the Recopa, at Maracanã, against Lanús (ARG). The number 27 has missed the last three games due to pubic pain.

With Bruno Henrique as a doubt, Flamengo will take the field on Saturday (14), against Botafogo, for the sixth round of the Brasileirão. Thus, the ball will roll from 8:30 pm (Brasília time), with full coverage by Coluna do Fla at Engenhão.

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