Dória opens up after leaving São Paulo over threats to his family | OneFootball

Defender Dória terminated his contract with São Paulo this Thursday (21) by mutual agreement with the club after he and his family received death threats from fans on social media.

When the squad returned after the match against Millonarios-COL, on Wednesday afternoon (20) at CT da Barra Funda, the defender approached the Football Department and requested to leave the club for personal reasons.

The target of intense criticism for mistakes in recent matches, Dória told the club’s board that he and his family have been receiving death threats. Given the seriousness of the situation, the player and the club’s leadership reached an agreement to terminate the contract.

Shortly after São Paulo announced the defender’s departure, Dória also spoke out on his social media, explaining the decision.

“Some things go beyond football. Today I am bringing my time at São Paulo to an end. It was a very personal decision, made together with my family. I need some time to deal with personal matters. I am grateful to the club for its support and understanding. I wish São Paulo every success,” the center-back wrote.

THE DEPARTURE

São Paulo representatives spoke with the player and considered alternatives, but the athlete definitively reiterated his decision to leave the club.

As a result, Tricolor and the player’s representatives agreed on the contract termination, with the player waiving all amounts due under his contract. São Paulo thanked the player in an official statement for the dedication he showed during his second spell and reiterated its support and solidarity at this difficult time.

The episode deepens the crisis in the squad’s defensive sector. At the moment, center-back is the position of greatest need for coach Dorival Júnior, who is already dealing with a series of injury absences while trying to put together his starting lineup. The off-field crisis reflects the player’s instability on the pitch. Dória had been coming off a string of crucial mistakes in a short period of time.

In the Brazilian Championship last weekend, a misplaced pass by the defender led to Fluminense’s winning goal. Then, this Tuesday (19), in the Copa Sudamericana, the defender made a mistake in the build-up to another opposition goal and later conceded a penalty.

Signed to a long-term deal at the start of the year, running until December 2027, Dória made 11 appearances and scored one goal in this spell with the São Paulo shirt.

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