Journalist slams Flamengo’s push for UN recognition: “Arrogance” | OneFootball

Arnaldo Ribeiro says Flamengo's decision only distances fans

Flamengo surprised everyone on Tuesday morning (09) by making an announcement: it asked its fans to sign a petition for the Nation to be recognized by the UN (United Nations Organization). While the decision was well received by Mengão fans, the news was not well accepted among rivals. Journalist Arnaldo Ribeiro, an avowed São Paulo supporter, believes that the Rubro-Negro's campaign is a demonstration of arrogance.

— This idea of being bigger than others, of feeling superior to others... Club arrogance. I don't think it's measured only by the number of fans. Anyway, that's it. I never understand when a popular club takes this initiative, when it wants to separate itself and become something unique, not admired by others. It happens a lot. This pushes people away, not brings them closer — said Arnaldo Ribeiro, on ‘BandSports’.

WHAT IS FLAMENGO'S IDEA?

Thus, with more than 45 million fans, Flamengo launched the campaign with the goal of becoming the planet's first “symbolic-cultural Nation.” The initiative, which has Zico as ‘king’ and Adriano as ‘emperor,’ aims to engage Flamengo's massive fanbase in a symbolic movement.

— If we were a country, we would have the 36th largest population in the world. We are more than 45 million people united by the same flag, the same culture, and the same feeling that spans generations. Flamengo is not just a club, it is a Nation — declared Zico.

HOW TO PARTICIPATE IN THE SIGNATURE CAMPAIGN?

In seven hours, Flamengo gathered over 100,000 signatures, a number the club had expected only by the weekend. Therefore, fans are invited to help increase this number through the website peticao.flamengo.com.br. So, take part and invite other rubro-negros.

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