Edenilson leaves Grêmio after fan ire despite backing from coaches | OneFootball

Edenilson has ended a near two-year stint at Grêmio, leaving with coaches’ trust but fans’ hostility. The 36-year-old departs in circumstances that echo his strained Inter exit in 2022.

The club confirmed his contract termination on Monday, the deal ran until December. According to Globo.com, he is in Rio de Janeiro to sign for Botafogo on a contract to the same date.

Arriving from Atlético-MG in April 2024, he played 91 times, with 9 goals and 9 assists. He held starting spells under four coaches, Renato Portaluppi, Gustavo Quinteros, Mano Menezes and Luís Castro.

Managers prized his tactical discipline and he was frequently used away from his central-midfield role. Inside the dressing room he was a leader and at times wore the captain’s armband.

Backed to renew at the end of 2025 by team-mates, Mano Menezes and technical coordinator Luiz Felipe Scolari, he accepted a wage reduction. A change of board and staff did not relieve the scrutiny.

In his final outing last Wednesday, he started but was withdrawn on 39 minutes after a failed plan against São Paulo at Morumbis. He then asked Luís Castro to leave, a conversation the coach revealed on Sunday after the draw with Juventude.

Vice-president of football Antônio Dutra Junior suggested fan criticism influenced his decision. Club and player agreed the exit without any remaining salary due through December, echoing 2022 when he left Inter after criticism for a missed penalty against Melgar before joining Atlético-MG.

Source: Globo.com