Valdivia, once fought over by Palmeiras and Flamengo in 2012, turns 42 🎉 | OneFootball

Former Chilean player Jorge Valdivia turns 42 this Sunday. The midfielder was an important player for Palmeiras in the 2000s and 2010s, but he almost left Verdão in 2012. At the time, Flamengo tried to sign him, and the Chilean sparked controversy after staying with the São Paulo team.

Remember the case

(Photo: Djalma Vassão/Gazeta Press)

In a turbulent 2012 for Palmeiras, Valdivia was the squad’s reference point. In his second stint with the Green, the Chilean, alongside defensive midfielder Marcos Assunção, was a key figure in Felipão’s team. However, after a series of injuries, he showed dissatisfaction and there was the possibility of leaving the club.

One of those interested in the “Magician” was Flamengo. The boards of the Rubro-Negro and Palmeiras had a series of disagreements, much like today. A year before the Valdivia controversy, the Rio club made a big offer for striker Kléber and, although Verdão refused to negotiate with them, the “Gladiator” left the team and went to Grêmio at the start of 2012.

Still, despite Valdivia’s dissatisfaction, Palmeiras’ president at the time, Arnaldo Tirone, went public to confirm the Chilean would stay. He also reiterated that he would not negotiate with Flamengo.

Turbulent stay

Valdivia wearing the Rubro-Negro shirt after Palmeiras’ win over Flamengo in 2012. (Photo: Reproduction)

Days after Tirone’s statement, Palmeiras and Flamengo took the field for the 17th round of the 2012 Brazilian Championship. Recovered from injury, Valdivia was named a starter and was making his seventh appearance in the Brasileirão. Thus, the Chilean could not play for any other team in that tournament.

On the field, Palmeiras beat Flamengo 1–0 at Arena Barueri, with a goal from Hernán Barcos. But the controversy came after the match. Leaving the field, Valdivia was asked about Flamengo’s interest and, wearing the Rubro-Negro shirt, addressed the matter and confirmed he would stay at Verdão, albeit “forced”.

Happy ending?

Valdivia with the 2012 Copa do Brasil trophy. (Photo: Sergio Barzaghi/Gazeta Press)

Even with Palmeiras being relegated that year, Valdivia stayed with the team. He was one of the protagonists in the 2012 Copa do Brasil title and a symbol of Verdão’s initial rebuilding. The Chilean remained with the club until 2015, but after disputes with Alexandre Mattos, Palmeiras’ director of football at the time, he chose to leave for Al-Wahda of the United Arab Emirates in August of that year.

Across his two spells at Palmeiras, Valdivia took the field 240 times, scored 41 goals, provided 38 assists, and won four titles: two Copas do Brasil (2012 and 2015), a Paulista Championship (2008), and a Serie B (2013).

Thirteen years after that controversy, Palmeiras and Flamengo are the protagonists of Brazilian football. The teams take the field this Sunday at 4 p.m. (Brasília time) for the 29th round of the Brazilian Championship. The match is crucial in the title race. If Verdão wins, they open up a six-point lead, but if the Rubro-Negro triumphs, they draw level with the Green in points.

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