Diniz on Rayan: ‘Sell the pitch, the posts, but not him’

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·17 octobre 2025

Diniz on Rayan: ‘Sell the pitch, the posts, but not him’

Fernando Diniz did not hold back his words when talking about Rayan after Vasco's 2-0 victory over Fortaleza at Arena Castelão. In an interview with RomárioTV, the coach made a humorous yet incisive plea about Vasco's gem:

“Sell whatever you want, the field, the goalpost, but don't sell Rayan.” + Coincidence? Vasco stops conceding goals just as Carlos Cuesta returns Photos: Dikran Sahagian/Vasco

The statement was revealed by Romário in a preview of the exclusive interview that will air next Wednesday at 7 PM on the former player's channel.

Vidéos OneFootball

Besides the joke, Diniz, in the post-match press conference, praised the forward and placed the young player at a very high level in Brazilian football:

– I think Rayan, very clearly, for me, is a very different player. I consider him perhaps the most complete forward in Brazilian football. He can play on both sides, can act as a 10 or 9, is tall, left-footed, fast, can shoot from any distance, and has a great affinity with the goal. He is a complete forward. For me, he deserves to be looked at with great care by the National Team because he has enormous potential. + Vasco sells part of SAF and Justice approves a million-dollar loan with Crefisa, understand Diniz Vasco vs. Fortaleza — Photo: Baggio Rodrigues/AGIF

The coach also commented on Paulo Henrique's participation with the Brazilian national team, praising the full-back after the goal scored against South Korea. Diniz explained why he didn't use the player in the match for Vasco and also mentioned Puma Rodríguez:

– PH, due to having played yesterday, plus the time zone and travel, it would have been risky to bring him. Puma played on Monday, managed to rest, and was very useful here.

With the result in Fortaleza, Vasco climbed to the 9th position in the Brasileirão and is getting closer to the G-8. The upward phase excites the fans, and Diniz admits the dream of the Libertadores but remains cautious: