Dória opens up after leaving São Paulo over threats to family | OneFootball

Center-back Dória terminated his contract with São Paulo this Thursday (21) by mutual agreement with the club after he and his family received death threats from fans on social media.

When the squad returned after the match against Millonarios-COL on Wednesday afternoon (20) at CT da Barra Funda, the defender approached the Football Department and requested to leave the club for personal reasons.

Targeted by heavy criticism for mistakes in recent matches, Dória told the club’s board that he and his family had been receiving death threats. Given the seriousness of the situation, the player and the club’s leadership reached an agreement to terminate the contract.

Shortly after São Paulo announced the defender’s departure, Dória also spoke out on his social media, explaining the decision.

“Some things go beyond football. Today I am ending my time at São Paulo. It was a very personal decision, made together with my family. I need some time to take care of personal matters. I’m grateful to the club for its support and understanding. I wish São Paulo every success,” wrote the center-back.

THE DEPARTURE

São Paulo’s representatives spoke with the player and considered alternatives, but the athlete definitively reaffirmed his decision to leave the club.

As a result, Tricolor and the player’s representatives agreed to terminate the contract, with the player waiving all amounts related to his deal. São Paulo thanked the player in an official statement for the dedication shown during his second spell and reiterated its support and solidarity at this difficult time.

The episode worsens the crisis in the squad’s defensive sector. At the moment, center-back is the position of greatest need for coach Dorival Júnior, who is already dealing with a series of injury absences while trying to put together the starting lineup. The off-field turmoil reflects the player’s unstable form on the pitch. Dória had been coming off a run of crucial mistakes in a short span of time.

In the Brazilian Championship last weekend, a misplaced pass by the center-back led to Fluminense’s winning goal. Then, this Tuesday (19), in the Copa Sudamericana, the defender made a mistake in the build-up to another opponent goal and later conceded a penalty.

Signed to a long-term deal at the start of the year, valid until December 2027, Dória made 11 appearances and scored one goal in this spell with São Paulo.

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