Flamengo player says he was close to leaving, hails turnaround: “I never…” | OneFootball

Evertton Araújo turned things around at Flamengo

After being seen as the sixth option on Flamengo’s defensive midfield depth chart, Evertton Araújo turned things around. With plenty of playing time in 2026, the youngster became a candidate for the starting lineup and drew interest from European clubs. After almost saying goodbye to the club, the midfielder celebrated his good form and said he never wanted to leave Mengão.

— Actually, I never took my mind off Flamengo. An offer came from another team, but I didn’t want to go. I needed to go because I didn’t have space here with the senior team, but I didn’t want to leave. But God prepares everything the way it has to be, and things happened the way they were supposed to. I started getting opportunities, improving, moving up, and I’m still here today — said Evertton Araújo in an interview this Friday (19) at Ninho do Urubu.

The defensive midfielder returned to training with the rest of his teammates after 19 days of vacation. Excited, Evertton Araújo revealed his main career goal while wearing the Flamengo shirt. That wish, in fact, could come true at the end of the year, but for that to happen, Flamengo need to win the Libertadores.

— My biggest dream is the Club World Cup, for sure. I had the chance to win the Libertadores and the Brasileirão, I was very happy, very grateful for everything, for everything I went through, for everything I lived and am learning. But I think every Flamengo player’s dream is to become world champion. Last year, we came very close — he added.

HOW DID EVERTTON ARAÚJO’S TURNAROUND HAPPEN?

Evertton Araújo was behind Erick Pulgar, Jorginho, De La Cruz, Saúl and Allan in Flamengo’s squad. However, with injuries and the departures of rivals for his position, the Ninho academy product began to earn more space. Because of that, the player turned down an offer from West Ham (England) at the start of the year.

At the end of last semester, Evertton Araújo finished as a starter. As a result, clubs from England, Spain, Italy and Germany sought information about the 23-year-old. See what else the midfielder said during the squad’s return at Ninho do Urubu.

WHAT WERE EVERTTON ARAÚJO’S OTHER COMMENTS?

INSPIRATION

“I don’t think there’s one specific name, it’s a whole process. There are several players I look up to and learn from more every day. I learned from other players who have already left, like Gerson, David Luiz… All of those players taught me a lot. Today, in the squad, the guy I talk to a lot and learn a lot from is Jorginho. Not just him, but Pulgar too. I’m grateful for the tips and advice.”

LÉO NANNETTI IN THE BRAZIL NATIONAL TEAM

“It’s a very important moment for him, very special to experience this with our national team stars. I hope he’s learning a lot; it will be a unique moment for him. It gives him even more desire to fulfill the dream of wearing the Brazil shirt at the World Cup.”

MID-SEASON TRIP TO PORTUGAL

“We always have to keep a good mindset, one step at a time. We reported back today, had a good training session, and we’ll do well next week too so that when we get there, we can give our best and, God willing, everything will work out.”

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