Zenit boss reveals why ex-Flamengo star Gerson left for Cruzeiro | OneFootball

Zenit boss reveals why ex-Flamengo star Gerson left for Cruzeiro | OneFootball

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·15 January 2026

Zenit boss reveals why ex-Flamengo star Gerson left for Cruzeiro

Article image:Zenit boss reveals why ex-Flamengo star Gerson left for Cruzeiro

Cruzeiro signed Gerson this January


Zenit (RUS) finalized the sale of midfielder Gerson, former Flamengo player, to Cruzeiro this January. Thus, after the positive outcome, the Russian team's coach, Sergey Semak, commented on the reason why the former Flamengo midfielder wanted to return to Brazil.

I think this is mainly due to his desire to play for the Brazilian National Team and go to the World Cup. He believes he will have a better chance of being called up in Brazil. It's a good offer for the club. And here we are taking into account the interests of both the player and the club. But we will see for ourselves — said Sergey Semak, this Thursday (15).


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WHAT IS GERSON'S SITUATION?

Gerson was a starter and captain at Flamengo when he was sold to Zenit in July of last year. However, the former Flamengo player was unable to establish himself at the Russian club and also lost his spot in the Brazilian National Team on the eve of the World Cup.

In about six months at Zenit, Gerson played in only 12 matches. During this period, he scored one goal and did not provide any assists to his teammates. Thus, with little playing time and not much space, the player asked to leave the Russian club.

HOW MUCH DID CRUZEIRO PAY FOR GERSON?

Thus, the offer from Cruzeiro accepted by Zenit was 27 million euros (R$ 170 million at the current exchange rate). Finally, the amount could reach up to 30 million euros (R$ 188 million) if the goals established at the Belo Horizonte club are met.

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

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