Gustavo Scarpa reveals approach talks, explains São Paulo snub | OneFootball

Midfielder Gustavo Scarpa spoke once again about São Paulo’s approach in the club’s recent attempt to sign him on loan.

In an interview with TV Bandeirantes, Atlético-MG’s No. 10 revealed direct talks with head coach Dorival Júnior and director Rafinha, but explained the reasons that prevented his move to Morumbi.

São Paulo’s attempt came about a month ago, when the club sought to take the player on loan until the end of the 2026 season, with a renewal clause at the end of the period. At the time, Scarpa was following a rehabilitation protocol after undergoing arthroscopy to remove a bone fragment from his right knee.

According to the 32-year-old player — whose contract with the Minas Gerais club runs until the end of 2027 — São Paulo’s urgency to bring in an immediately impactful signing clashed with the time needed for his full physical recovery.

“Paulo Bracks [Atlético-MG vice president] even said it hadn’t come from Galo, but that São Paulo had shown interest. I spoke with Dorival, I spoke with Rafinha, I explained my situation to them, that I was coming back from surgery. São Paulo needed an immediate answer and, for a guy coming back from surgery, you never really know how it’s going to be,” the midfielder said.

Physical setbacks and desire to prove himself in Belo Horizonte

After knee surgery, Scarpa faced further medical setbacks in Atlético’s treatment department, suffering swelling in the adductor muscle of his right thigh and later pain in the back of the same thigh, causing him to miss the team’s recent Brazilian league matches.

Beyond the issues related to physical condition, the player emphasized that the decisive factor in staying at Cidade do Galo was his personal conviction that he can turn things around and regain a leading role in the team under the Minas Gerais coaching staff.

“The main reason really was that I believe in my potential and I believe I can turn things around and win back my place at Galo. Even with limited minutes in these last few matches, I was already able to show a little of my value, both against Cruzeiro and against Santos,” said the player sought by São Paulo.

Scarpa concluded by noting that the talks ended professionally between the parties involved in the negotiations.

“I’m happy to stay at Atlético. I know what I’m capable of, and I know my time wearing Galo’s shirt is not over yet. It was a very respectful and very calm negotiation,” he concluded.

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