Batistuta explains why he turned down Flamengo move | OneFootball

Gabriel Batistuta says he rejected a move to Flamengo late in his career because he was in too much pain to play.

"Yes, there was interest from Flamengo. But I could not play, everything hurt, I was old," Gabriel Batistuta said, speaking to CNN Brasil.

Flamengo’s offer came in 1999 but never materialised. Fans were unhappy when the club instead announced Tuta, a Brazilian from XV de Piracicaba.

He retired in 2005 aged 36, with 56 goals in 78 for Argentina. He played at the 1994, 1998 and 2002 World Cups and won the 1991 Copa América. He started at Newell’s Old Boys.

He then featured for River Plate and Boca Juniors, before moving to Italy and becoming a Fiorentina idol, winning the Coppa Italia and two Super Cups. In 2000 he joined Roma and won the league. Later came Inter Milan and Al-Arabi.

"I was not that bad against Brazil. Always with great respect. I have many Brazilian friends, I played with many in Italy, so I speak with the greatest respect for Brazil," he added.

Even without Batistuta, Flamengo later had another Gabriel. Gabigol helped win the Libertadores in 2019 and 2022, and his goals and personality left a mark on the club’s history.

Flamengo have paused official fixtures during the World Cup, but are playing friendlies to stay sharp. They drew 1-1 with River Plate in the Torneio Algarve opener, then face Lausanne Sports on Wednesday 08.

Source: Coluna Do Fla