Pulgar of Flamengo speaks out after winning best of the year award | OneFootball

Erick Pulgar won the Athlete of the Year award in Chile

Treated as a key player in Filipe Luís’ system, Erick Pulgar is seen in a different light by the Chilean National Team, even being left out of the squad’s most recent call-ups. Voted the best athlete of 2025 in the country, the midfielder himself admits that he feels more important at Flamengo than in his homeland.

— I don’t have to think about returning to the National Team, that’s something the current coach has to consider. I have to focus on performing at my club and, with that, either earn or not earn a call-up to the national team. To be a reference in the National Team, you have to spend several years there. But Chile doesn’t give you time to become a reference. I feel more like a reference in my club — said Erick Pulgar.

— It’s a very beautiful award, and it’s also beautiful to compete with so many athletes who make a great effort throughout the year. Not everyone notices what athletes do. Here, people usually just applaud and don’t support the process. That’s why I invite everyone to help athletes during the process so that later we can applaud even more — he added.

WHAT IS THE AWARD WON BY PULGAR?

Pulgar made his statement during the ‘Best of the Best’ award ceremony, organized by the Circle of Sports Journalists of Chile. Even though he’s been left out of the National Team, the midfielder won the trophy for the country’s top athlete, after winning the Brasileirão, the Libertadores, and four other trophies with the Manto in 2025.

WHEN IS PULGAR RETURNING TO BRAZIL, AFTER ALL?

On vacation in Chile, Pulgar is expected at Flamengo on January 12, the date set for the main squad to return to Ninho do Urubu. However, a day earlier, the under-20 Rubro-Negro team will debut in the Campeonato Carioca, against Portuguesa da Ilha do Governador.

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