Flamengo star on 2026 dream: “I’ll believe until the end” | OneFootball

Emerson Royal hopes to return to the Brazilian National Team at the World Cup

One of Emerson Royal's plans when signing with Flamengo was to be closer to the Brazilian National Team. However, the full-back has not yet been called up by coach Carlo Ancelotti. Even with the unfavorable scenario, the player promises to fight for a spot at the 2026 World Cup.

— The spot is open, there are many players who could go to the National Team, many in this position. I believe until the last day. Just like in the last World Cup, I believed until the end. Unfortunately, I wasn't called up — said Emerson Royal.

— But there will be no lack of commitment, no lack of desire. There is a coach who makes the decision, there is a context. But I will try to do my part in the best possible way to be at the World Cup — added the right-back, in an interview with ESPN.

HOW WAS ROYAL'S ARRIVAL AT FLAMENGO?

Announced by Flamengo in July of this year, Emerson Royal cost the club 9 million euros (R$ 58 million), signed from Milan, Italy. With the status of a Brazilian National Team player and seen as Wesley's replacement, who left for Roma (ITA), the current number 22 was unable to get a run of games.

Due to injury, combined with the excellent form of Guillermo Varela, Royal played very little. Over the semester, he made only 19 appearances, scoring one goal and providing one assist. The player blamed the lack of a pre-season as one of the reasons for his lack of success this year.

WHEN DO FLAMENGO PLAYERS RETURN TO TRAINING?

While Emerson Royal and the rest of the squad enjoy their vacation, Flamengo is still deciding when the group will report back. Since the team played the Club World Cup final on December 17 in Qatar, the Rubro-Negro is considering returning to training between January 14 and 18.

The calendar gives no rest. On January 24, Flamengo will play the Supercopa do Brasil against Corinthians. Right after, on 01/28, the Brasileirão kicks off, with a match against São Paulo. Because of this, the U-20 team will be responsible for Flamengo's first matches in the Cariocão. The debut is against Bangu, in the week of the 14th.

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