Flamengo signing Andrew hits back at critics over his playing style

In partnership with

Coluna do Fla

·16 Januari 2026

Flamengo signing Andrew hits back at critics over his playing style

Andrew assured that he knows how to play with his feet and can help Flamengo in building plays

During the negotiation period between Flamengo and Andrew, some influencers on social media claimed that the athlete would not succeed at the club because he supposedly did not know how to play with his feet. However, the team's new addition assured that he enjoys setting up plays and helping the team in building plays.

— I like to participate in the game, I don't like to stay out of it, just waiting for a shot or something like that. I like to be well involved in the game, integrated with the group, and able to help during the game. I like to feel useful in the game, knowing they can count on me and think “we have one more to help create attacking situations” — said Andrew, in an interview with FlamengoTV.

The current technical staff of Flamengo considers the goalkeepers' ability to play with their feet as fundamental to the team's structure. Last year, Agustín Rossi stood out in several games by relieving the high pressure from opponents and even making passes that resulted in goals for the team.

Video OneFootball

IS PLAYING WITH HIS FEET ANDREW'S MAIN CHARACTERISTIC?

Since leaving Botafogo for Gil Vicente (POR), Andrew has intensified his play with his feet. In the Portuguese team, at times, the Brazilian acted as a kind of libero. During an interview given to GE two years ago, the athlete spoke about the evolution in this aspect.

— I needed to greatly improve my play with my feet. I didn't just learn from the coaches, but also from my teammates. This greatly facilitated my adaptation: understanding that “this is a new chapter where I have to learn and show who I am.” I need to be humble enough to know that I came here to learn at first, and then put it into practice — he commented, when he was with Gil Vicente.

HOW MUCH DID FLAMENGO PAY TO HAVE ANDREW?

Announced by Flamengo this Thursday (15), Andrew signed a four-year contract with the club. In summary, to have the new number 42, the Most Beloved invested 1.5 million euros. That is, more than R$ 9 million at the current exchange rate. The 24-year-old athlete joins the club to replace Matheus Cunha, who went to Cruzeiro.

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