Matías Viña recalls River Plate snub, thanks Flamengo before Cruzeiro move

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·15 September 2026

Matías Viña recalls River Plate snub, thanks Flamengo before Cruzeiro move

What did Matías Viña say about his spell at River Plate (ARG)?

Flamengo agreed to loan Matías Viña to Cruzeiro in the latest transfer window. The full-back, who had been sidelined at River Plate (ARG), accepted the proposal from the Minas Gerais club. In a press conference, the Uruguayan blasted the Argentine club’s stance since his arrival in January this year.

I want to thank the River fans and the institution. But my issue, what happened, was about the contract. I was always professional there as well. I even played as a goalkeeper; whenever the team needed me, I was available. I didn’t start in the best way, but my run was very good afterward, so much so that I went to the World Cup. No one there told me anything about the situation that happened later. And then all the obstacles they put in place for me to leave. I was willing to terminate my contract to return to Brazil. I also thank Flamengo, who were always willing to help resolve the situation I went through there, which was very bad. But River wouldn’t accept many things, couldn’t reach an agreement with Flamengo, and I couldn’t get out of there. They were two difficult months. I had no physical therapy, no gym, nothing; I had to train at home and follow a routine. Then you see the professionalism. I’m not talking about the club, but about the people who are responsible. I didn’t have a conversation with anyone. I respect all decisions, I never said anything. I don’t want to expose the club, it’s a great club. But it doesn’t deserve what the board is doing there,” said Viña.

What happened to Viña at River Plate?

Viña had a loan contract with River Plate until the end of 2026. However, the team tried to send the full-back back to Flamengo on two occasions. Flamengo, however, demanded payment of the Uruguayan’s wages through December, which did not please the Argentines.

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As a result, River Plate decided to sideline Matías Viña. The full-back has not played since May 2026, with his last appearance coming in the 1-0 win over Rosario Central (ARG) in the Argentine Championship semifinal.

What was the agreement between Flamengo and Cruzeiro?

Cruzeiro agreed to sign Viña on loan until the end of this year, with a purchase option set at 4.5 million dollars. At the current exchange rate, that amount is equivalent to approximately R$ 23 million. However, the Minas Gerais club will not cover the full-back’s wages through December, a period covered by the agreement with Flamengo.

How did Viña arrive at Flamengo?

Flamengo paid around R$ 43 million to sign Viña from Roma (ITA) at the start of 2024. At the time, the full-back signed a contract with the Rio de Janeiro club through the end of 2028. However, in August of that same year, the Uruguayan suffered a serious knee injury and was sidelined for ten months.

In total, Viña has made 32 appearances for Flamengo, with one goal and two assists. During that time, the full-back won one Brazilian Championship, one Copa do Brasil, one Libertadores, one Brazilian Super Cup, and one Carioca Championship.

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