Flamengo star under fire vows: "I'll hit the ground running in 2026" | OneFootball

Hired by Flamengo in 2025, Emerson Royal admitted difficulties upon arriving at the club

As a reinforcement for Flamengo in the second half of the year, Emerson Royal arrived with the status of a starter and a candidate for the Brazilian National Team. However, the reality was different. The defender dealt with injuries, criticism from some fans, and could not surpass Varela in the competition for the position. Aware of the challenges, the former Milan (ITA) player hopes for a different reality in 2026 and promised to "fly high."

— When I arrived, after four months, I had a tendon injury, and I was out for four months without playing. Without a preseason, I arrived and within a week of training, I was already playing as a starter; everything happened very quickly. I wasn't 100% prepared, but I was available, I told Filipe (Luís) that I was there to help, and I tried to do my best — said Emerson Royal.

— Sometimes it goes well, sometimes it doesn't. I understood the fans' demands, I wear the jersey of the biggest club in Brazil. There has to be this demand, I can deliver much more and I will deliver. I will rest, do the preseason, and start 2026 flying high. That is my goal. I have the paths, I am a good player, I know my potential, and I know who I am — added the defender, to ESPN.

WHAT WERE EMERSON ROYAL'S NUMBERS IN 2025?

Emerson Royal started 2025 at Milan, where he played 26 matches. Announced by Flamengo in July, the defender wore the Sacred Mantle 19 times, scoring one goal and providing one assist. However, the player spent most of the semester on the bench for Guillermo Varela, one of the team's highlights of the season.

Currently, Royal and his teammates are enjoying their vacation. Flamengo has not yet announced the date for the return to activities, but it is expected to happen between January 14 and 18. Therefore, at the beginning of the Carioca, the Most Beloved will play with the under-20 team.

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