Juninho speaks out after Flamengo exit for Pumas: "It was the most..." | OneFootball

Juninho was officially presented by Pumas this Saturday (20)

Sold by Flamengo to Pumas, of Mexico, Juninho left Gávea after one season. Officially announced by the Mexican club this Saturday (20), the forward spoke out for the first time after the transfer, said goodbye to Mengão and stated that he fulfilled a dream by wearing the Sacred Mantle.

READ JUNINHO'S POST:

“A cycle ended with the certainty that I lived a dream. Wearing the Sacred Mantle is not for just anyone, and I had the honor of being part of this victorious story of 2025. I came to Flamengo to fulfill a childhood dream of playing at Maracanã and winning titles, a dream that no amount of money can buy.

I was privileged to experience something I never thought I would in my life. I met great players, who until recently I only saw on TV, I saw stories of club legends and I was able to share a locker room with many players I am a fan of. And yes, I lived all of this and I thank EVERYONE.

Now, about the fans, that sea of red and black… PQP! It was the most incredible thing I've ever seen in my life and I got to hear them chanting my name, JUNINHO X haha, not to mention the crazy guys who stormed our bus and the other things that only the Flamengo nation is capable of doing. I can't explain it. Only those who live it will understand! And I lived it, made history and I can tell the story! Thank you, NATION!”.

See this photo on Instagram A post shared by Juninho Vieira (@juninhovieira___21)

HOW WAS JUNINHO'S SPELL AT FLAMENGO?

Juninho ended his spell at Flamengo after playing 32 matches and scoring four goals. Despite the modest numbers, the forward left important marks throughout the season. One of the decisive moments occurred in the debut of the Libertadores, when his goal secured a 1-0 win over Deportivo Táchira (VEN), a result that was crucial for qualification to the next stage.

In addition, Juninho played a direct role in winning the Campeonato Carioca. In the first leg of the final against Fluminense, the forward scored the second goal in the 2-1 win, giving Flamengo the advantage in the decider. In the return leg, the goalless draw confirmed the title. His last goal in the red and black shirt came in the Campeonato Brasileiro, against Sport, at Arena de Pernambuco.

HOW WAS JUNINHO'S SIGNING HANDLED BY FLAMENGO?

Flamengo signed Juninho at the start of the season from Qarabag, Azerbaijan, for 5 million euros, an amount close to R$ 31 million. Internally, the forward arrived as a bet by the scouting department, after catching attention in European football.

At the time, Sevilla (ESP) was also monitoring the situation. However, a direct conversation between the forward and coach Filipe Luís weighed in favor of choosing a return to Brazilian football.

Throughout the season, Juninho received few opportunities and, in several games, was not even included in the squad. With limited space, the board decided to put him on the market. In negotiations with Pumas, the club managed to fully recover the amount invested in his signing.

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