“I’ve lived through favela shoot-outs”: Royal shrugs off critics

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Coluna do Fla

·18 August 2026

“I’ve lived through favela shoot-outs”: Royal shrugs off critics

Emerson Royal underwent special preparation for 2026

Before the first leg of the Libertadores round of 16, Leonardo Jardim worried some fans by choosing Emerson Royal for the clash against Cruzeiro. On the pitch, the full-back was one of the best players in the 1-1 draw at Mineirão. Frequently targeted by criticism and even boos from the stands, the player ‘shrugged it off’ and said he has already been through worse situations in life.

— Where I came from, I came out mature. My life wasn’t easy. I’ve lived through shootouts, gone without food, in the favela. I didn’t have opportunities. I managed to get out and build a better life for my family. That in itself is already a victory. People will always talk. If even Neymar gets questioned, why wouldn’t I? What comes from outside won’t affect me —, Emerson Royal began in an interview with ‘GE’. — I usually say that no one gets on the back of someone who has no potential. If they get on my back, it’s a sign that I can play better and improve. That’s the positive side I try to take from it. I believe the toughest moment in terms of criticism was at Flamengo, but I tried to keep my head straight. To get out of that phase, there was only one way: work. And that’s exactly what I did —, he added.

Emerson Royal is expected to start again on Wednesday (19), once more against Cruzeiro, this time at the Maracanã. Leonardo Jardim said he likes a more physically strong team in Libertadores matches. That way, the former Milan (ITA) player has the edge over Varela.

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DOES CRUZEIRO BRING BACK GOOD MEMORIES FOR ROYAL, AFTER ALL?

Emerson Royal’s first match as a starter for Atlético-MG, where he played in 2018, was precisely against Cruzeiro. The full-back’s memories could not be better: a positive result and a great performance in the Minas Gerais derby.

— I remember that game, it was my debut as a starter for Galo. There was a lot of pressure on us. We had been inconsistent, I came in as a starter, had a great game, and we won 1-0. (Cruzeiro) is an opponent I’ve already faced when I played for Atlético-MG. We know how difficult they try to make things, but we’ll go for the win —, he commented.

SO, WHAT ABOUT A RETURN TO THE BRAZIL NATIONAL TEAM?

When he signed with Flamengo, Emerson Royal said that one of his goals was to return to the Brazil national team. However, the full-back still hasn’t had any chances under coach Carlo Ancelotti. Despite that, the hope of wearing the Canarinho jersey is still alive in the Flamengo player’s mind.

— The Brazil national team is a dream, I came to Flamengo chasing that spot. I have that dream, I want to get back on the radar, and I have the potential for it. With the help of my teammates, that time will come —, said Royal.

— I gave up 70% of my vacation to work, and I believe God will give it back to me. Since the beginning of the year with Filipe (Luís), who was giving me a lot of confidence. Jardim developed my transition play, and I still have a lot to improve —, he stressed.

So, with Emerson Royal available, Flamengo face Cruzeiro starting at 9:30 p.m. (Brasília time), with full coverage from Coluna do Fla. Live from the Maracanã, our team will bring all the details of this Libertadores ‘decider’.

IN SHORT, MORE OF ROYAL’S ANSWERS

PLAYING STYLE

— It’s a slightly different way of playing, a game where I come more from deep. There’s a winger who tucks inside and I go down the outside. That surprise move. I had a coach at Ponte Preta who used to say that I’m a player who arrives there, not one who stays there. That power is my main characteristic, which is why I’ve been standing out.

UPS AND DOWNS AT FLAMENGO

— I usually say there are difficult moments, but everything is a learning experience. I had an inconsistent spell when I arrived. I was injured, I didn’t have a preseason, I wasn’t 100% physically fit. I understood the moment, the demands. But I always knew my potential, the player I’ve always been, the clubs I’ve played for. I took that criticism and improved. I won two very important titles, which I had dreamed of. I wanted to win the Libertadores and the Brasileirão, and it doesn’t stop there. Hopefully this year goes in the best possible way.

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