Gabigol’s Maracanã return: applause, boos and tributes | OneFootball

Gabigol reunited with Flamengo fans at Maracanã for the first time since his move to Cruzeiro

Thursday night (02) didn't go as the Flamengo fans dreamed, after a 0-0 draw with Cruzeiro. Meanwhile, the Nation also saw Gabigol for the first time at Maracanã since the striker's departure to the Minas Gerais team.

How was the reunion?

Initially, Gabigol started the game on Cruzeiro's bench. Thus, even before the match began, as the Minas Gerais team entered for warm-up, the number 9 was celebrated by the Flamengo fans.

In summary, Gabigol thanked the affection by waving to the stands. It's worth noting that he wore boots with the colors of both Flamengo and Cruzeiro, as a tribute to both clubs.

After the national anthem, Gabigol went to the Flamengo bench to greet the entire team. At this moment, two scenes caught attention: the reunion with Bruno Henrique, repeating a memorable celebration of the duo called “fusion,” and a long hug with Filipe Luís.

Was it all ‘love’?

No! Despite the affectionate atmosphere between Gabigol and the Flamengo fans, the scenario changed when coach Leonardo Jardim called the number 9 in the final stretch of the second half. As the striker was about to enter the field, Flamengo supporters booed the player at the edge of the pitch.

How was the departure from the stadium?

Finally, upon leaving Maracanã, Gabigol interacted again with the Flamengo fans. It's worth mentioning that the striker left the stadium alongside Filipe Luís, with whom he talked for a long time. The night ended with the number 9 distributing photos and autographs.

And the departure from Flamengo?

In summary, in the 2024 season, Gabigol and Rodolfo Landim's management reached an agreement to renew the striker's contract with Flamengo. However, the then club president backed out due to the player's performance at the time.

On the other hand, the athlete did not hide his frustration with the direction the negotiations took and signed with Cruzeiro for 2025. Despite this, Gabigol never hid his affection and love for Flamengo and attributes his resentment solely to Rodolfo Landim.

How was Gabigol's time at Flamengo?

Gabigol spent six seasons at Flamengo, from 2019 to 2024. During his time at the beloved club, the player achieved impressive records with: 308 games, 161 goals, 44 assists, and 13 titles (two Libertadores, two Brazilian Championships, two Brazil Cups, two Brazilian Super Cups, one South American Recopa, and four Cariocas).

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