How Gabigol’s love declaration to Flamengo sparked ‘jealousy’ at Santos | OneFootball

Club released video of the striker speaking after backlash over excerpt about Flamengo in a recent interview

Santos released a video in which Gabigol addresses his remarks about Cruzeiro and Flamengo. In a recent interview, the striker had declared his love for Rubro-Negro, but acknowledged the commitment he has made to the Minas Gerais club. The publication by Santos therefore sought to contain the negative backlash among the fans.

What did Gabigol say in the video released by Santos?

– At no point was my intention to disrespect Santos. On the contrary, everyone knows it’s the team of my heart. Some things were cut, so it came out a little out of context — said Gabriel Barbosa, who added:

– I respect Cruzeiro, I still have 2 years left on my contract, that’s why I said I would go back there. And whenever Flamengo is involved, there’s always some doubt about what I say. If anyone felt offended, that was not my intention. I’m a Santos fan and I want to stay here for a long time — he said.

What was the statement that caused the controversy?

– I want to (go back to Flamengo). Football is crazy, I don’t know how it’s going to be. But I want to, I really do. Flamengo is a team that moves me, it was a long time, it’s a lot of history, the players, many titles, the fans. It’s a long time, I played more there than here (at Santos) — the striker said in an earlier interview.

The remark therefore quickly sparked reactions among Santos fans, especially at a time when he is on loan at the Vila Belmiro club. Santos then decided to release a new video to clarify the context of the statement.

What is Gabigol’s situation at Santos?

Gabigol is at Santos on loan, while his permanent registration still belongs to Cruzeiro. Therefore, his return to the Minas Gerais club is still scheduled for the end of the period agreed upon by the parties, even though he said otherwise.

Why didn’t Gabigol renew with Flamengo?

Gabigol even prepared a video announcing a contract renewal with Flamengo before leaving the club. However, the post was never published, and his deal with Rubro-Negro ended at the end of 2024.

How idolized is Gabigol by Flamengo fans?

Gabigol built a strong idol status among Fla fans during his time at the Rio club. That is because the striker became known for decisive goals in Libertadores and Brasileirão finals for Rubro-Negro. As a result, the emotional bond with the fans remains alive even after his departure, as shown by the reaction to his recent remarks.

In total, Gabigol recorded 161 goals and 43 assists in the Sacred Jersey. In 308 matches played, the striker won 13 titles during his spell with Rubro-Negro: two Libertadores, two Brasileirão titles, two Copa do Brasil titles, two Supercopas, one Recopa Sudamericana, and four state championships.

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