Vasco signing Sosa admits nerves for Flamengo: “Different feeling” | OneFootball

Ex-Racing (ARG), Sosa gave his first press conference for Vasco this Friday (14)

If you’re not Flamengo, you live off Flamengo. This Friday (14), Vasco da Gama introduced its new signing: defensive midfielder Santiago Sosa, formerly of Racing (ARG). In his very first interview as a player for Flamengo’s rival, the ball-winner mentioned the biggest club in South America.

“It’s a different feeling (facing Flamengo). I know that for Vasco it’s a match they want to win. And when we face them in the Brasileirão, we’ll give everything to win, so the fans can be happy,” said Sosa, who faced — and suffered against — Flamengo last year.

Sosa was on the field in the 2025 Libertadores semifinals. On that occasion, the defensive midfielder saw Flamengo win 1-0 at the Maracanã. However, he left the match before the end after suffering a fracture to the upper right maxillary sinus. Out of the return leg at the ‘Cilindro de Avellaneda,’ the Argentine watched Mengão hold on for a 0-0 draw and advance to the final.

HE THOUGHT ABOUT FLAMENGO, BUT WHAT IS VASCO’S REALITY?

While Sosa talks about Flamengo, Vasco’s reality is different. The team is in the relegation zone and has a hugely important match on Sunday (16). Currently in 18th place, the rival faces Santos, who are 17th. Both have 22 points. Cleared to play, the midfielder made himself available.

— On Sunday we have a final against a direct rival. We all know that. It’s very important that we win on Sunday; the team has been doing very well. We played a great match yesterday, but we lacked goals. As for Neymar, he’s a great player, one of the best in Brazil, but what matters to me is winning. It doesn’t matter who we face —, said the 27-year-old midfielder.

WHAT IS THE AUTHOR’S OPINION?

— Talking about Sosa brings back good memories for Flamengo fans. Who doesn’t remember those clashes against Racing fondly? The midfielder was also remembered for breaking Pedro’s arm in the semifinal at the Maracanã. And, shortly afterward, the midfielder himself had his nose broken after colliding with teammate Rojo —, began Pedro Paulo Catonho, journalist at Coluna do Fla.

— Provocations aside, Sosa is a good signing for Vasco. A gritty defensive midfielder with solid technique. What surprises me is how a club under judicial recovery can pay R$ 35 million. It’s a slap in the face to teams that are financially constrained —, he concluded.

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