Flamengo respond after row between Runco and De La Cruz

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Coluna do Fla

·23 Juli 2025

Flamengo respond after row between Runco and De La Cruz

De La Cruz was the target of criticism due to a series of injuries

The red-black fans were surprised last Tuesday (22) by a controversy involving the physical condition of Nicolás De La Cruz. This is because the general medical director of Flamengo, José Luiz Runco, criticized the signing of the midfielder. In this context, the Most Beloved issued an official statement this Wednesday (23), addressing the matter.

WHAT WAS FLAMENGO'S STATEMENT?

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The Football Board of the Clube de Regatas do Flamengo clarifies that the recently leaked message was not written by any of the five doctors who are part of the professional football department: Fernando Sassaki (orthopedist and head of the department), Luiz Macedo (cardiologist), Dieno Portella (orthopedist), Vitor Pereira (orthopedist), and Bruno Hassel (radiologist). As is publicly known, these professionals are responsible for the daily care of athletes during training, games, and trips, as well as consistently and transparently providing all information of interest to the press and fans. The Football Board reiterates that it will not comment on speculations and will maintain its focus solely and exclusively on preserving the high level of performance and concentration that led the Club, in this first semester, to the best performance among all in the national scene. Flamengo will continue working seriously, pursuing its sports objectives, technically taking care of its athletes' health, investing in a high-level team, and strengthening its squad with players of national team standards.

WHAT IS THE CONTROVERSY BETWEEN RUNCO AND DE LA CRUZ?

The general medical director of Flamengo, José Luiz Runco, criticized the physical condition of the Uruguayan midfielder. According to information from 'GE', the professional sent a message in a Whatsapp group, formed by members of Fla's politics, criticizing the signing of Nicolás De La Cruz. It is worth noting that, in December 2023, the Most Beloved spent a little over R$ 100 million on the player.

“Dear João. Good afternoon. I will try to explain the situation of De la Cruz. Player bought in another management, without the slightest condition, as he has a chronic and irreparable injury in the right knee, and also an injury in the left knee. As we are bipeds, we have difficulties with balance and muscle balance if any limb is already affected. We are trying to do everything possible for him to participate, but it is very complicated. And, regarding the sale, only if there is a club interested for another reason and not for competitive football. Sincerely,” said Runco.

IS DE LA CRUZ OUT OF THE FLAMENGO VS BRAGANTINO GAME?

Yes! De La Cruz remains out of Flamengo's games. For the match against Red Bull Bragantino, this Wednesday (23), coach Filipe Luís did not include the midfielder. It is important to highlight that, last Sunday (20), the Uruguayan also did not play in the 1-0 victory over Fluminense. Thus, the player continues working on physical reconditioning and hopes to be available for upcoming commitments.

WHEN DOES FLAMENGO PLAY?

Flamengo faces Bragantino at 9:30 PM (Brasília time) this Wednesday (23), for the 16th round of the Brazilian Championship. Thus, the match taking place at the Cicero de Souza Marques Stadium will be covered by Coluna do Fla, through the website and social media. However, Globo (open channel) and Premiere (pay-per-view) will broadcast the match.

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