Juninho reflects after Flamengo exit, grateful but wanted more chances | OneFootball

Juninho has reflected on his Flamengo spell after leaving at the start of this season, now with Pumas in Mexico. He said he wanted more opportunities but remains grateful for his time at the club.

"In my heart, when they needed me, I was there. That is what I can take. Like it or not, I did not play much, and I understand it is a club full of stars, great players I am a fan of," he told GE.

"I also joined Flamengo because of them, to meet them after only seeing them on TV. I know the few games I played and the few goals I scored were very important to our success."

Juninho was the first signing of the ‘Era Bap’ at Flamengo. He arrived from Qarabag (AZE) as one of their leading scorers, but could not reproduce that form in Rio.

He made 32 appearances for Flamengo and scored four goals. Two proved decisive, a strike in the Carioca final against Fluminense and another in the Libertadores win over Deportivo Táchira (VEN).

Flamengo agreed his sale to Pumas (MEX) at the start of 2026 for five million euros, about R$ 31 million, the same fee paid to Qarabag.

While Juninho settles in, Flamengo’s first team prepare to open their 2026 campaign against Vasco on Wednesday 21 in the Carioca’s third round. Kick-off is at 21:30 Brasília time at the Maracanã.

Source: Coluna Do Fla