Cebolinha, ex-Flamengo, on joining Santos: ‘I couldn’t turn it down’ | OneFootball

Everton Cebolinha is Santos’s new signing

Announced this Wednesday (09) as the newest signing of Santos Futebol Clube, Everton Cebolinha spoke for the first time as a player for the São Paulo club. The former Flamengo player will wear the No. 7 shirt at Vila Belmiro after using No. 11 at Mengão. The winger said he was delighted by the offer from Neymar’s team.

— There was no way I could turn it down, right?! I had already given the green light, my kids were saying, ‘Go for it, dad, accept it!’, and thank God it worked out. Santos has a lot to gain, especially because of the quality of the squad that is being put together. Being able to wear the Santos shirt will be a privilege. I played with Rodinei (at Flamengo) and with Arthur (at Grêmio). Hopefully this partnership works out. I chose the No. 7 shirt because it is very special —, said Everton Cebolinha.

The forward signed a contract with Santos until December this year. In financial crisis, the club has been relying on this type of deal to fight relegation. Likewise, defensive midfielder Arthur and attacking midfielder Lima also signed until the end of 2026.

EVERTON CEBOLINHA AT FLAMENGO

Signed by Flamengo in 2022, Everton Cebolinha played 193 matches and scored 21 goals in the Sacred Jersey. In addition, the winger provided 26 assists. During that period, the forward won two Libertadores titles, one Brasileirão, two Copa do Brasil titles, one Supercopa, and three Carioca championships.

With his contract running until December this year, Everton Cebolinha did not want to renew with Flamengo. Upset over his limited playing time in the rubro-negro squad, the former No. 11 said on several occasions that he needed to “breathe new air.”

As a result, Cebolinha stirred up the market. Vasco, Fluminense, Botafogo, Grêmio, Fluminense, and other Brazilian clubs tried to sign the player. In addition, Russian football was on Everton’s radar, but Santos ultimately came out on top in the race.

AUTHOR’S OPINION

— José Boto himself said in a recent interview that Cebolinha removed himself from Flamengo. If the player doesn’t want to stay, it’s better to let him go so he doesn’t poison the atmosphere. He wasn’t good enough for Rubro-Negro, but he will be an excellent signing for Santos in the fight against relegation —, said Pedro Paulo Catonho, journalist for Coluna do Fla.

— Now we’ll see whether he will struggle with injuries at Santos. After all, at Flamengo, Everton Cebolinha had every imaginable issue, from an Achilles tendon problem to muscle pain. Let’s see whether it was Flamengo’s fault or the player’s himself —, he added.

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