Plata back with Flamengo, set for Del Valle reunion after failed Russia move | OneFootball

Gonzalo Plata is back in Ecuador with Flamengo for Thursday’s meeting with Independiente del Valle, aiming to move on from a collapsed Dynamo Moscow transfer and push again for a starting place.

According to Globo.com, his late return was met with light-heartedness in the dressing room rather than punishment, and he spent days in Dubai while representatives sought alternatives before issuing a statement pledging focus on Flamengo.

Born in Guayaquil, he started at LDU’s academy, joined Del Valle in 2012 and stayed until 2019 before leaving for Sporting. Known locally as Gonzalito, those involved in his development describe a restless character, and Del Valle general manager Santiago Morales highlighted early first-team sessions, a confrontation that earned respect, and the guidance of a strong single mother amid Rio’s demanding spotlight. Morales also praised his 2026 World Cup performances and his polite demeanour.

This will be Plata’s first opportunity to play in Ecuador as a visiting Flamengo player. When Flamengo drew with LDU last year, he travelled but a knee issue saw him left out.

He became a national-team figure again only after joining Flamengo, having previously been overlooked following a nightclub incident involving Arboleda in the United States. Leonardo Jardim has used Luiz Araújo and Carrascal on the right, and Flamengo have added fellow Ecuadorian Anthony Valencia, so competition has intensified.

Before talks with Dynamo, Plata had been Jardim’s starter on that flank. With the Russian club withdrawing before the Libertadores quarter-final registration deadline, Flamengo did not alter their list, so he remains eligible for Thursday at Estadio Atahualpa, 21:30 Brasília time, with a semi-final place at stake.

Source: Globo.com

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