Diego Ribas in tears as he remembers an old Flamengo friend | OneFootball

Diego Ribas revealed he only stayed at Flamengo thanks to masseur Denir

A legend of Flamengo, masseur Denir passed away on January 1, 2024. However, fond memories are still fresh in the minds of those who lived alongside the professional. This Thursday (16), during a lecture, former Flamengo midfielder Diego Ribas broke down in tears while speaking about his friend.

At an event for Rio de Janeiro street sweepers, held at Cidade das Artes, Diego highlighted just how beloved Denir was at the club and among the fans. In fact, the masseur even had a giant flag in the stands. Remembering his friend’s advice, the former number 10 was moved to tears.

WHAT DID DIEGO RIBAS SAY?

— Each person, in their own role, can make a difference in their world for the people around them. Here is a man who made a difference in my life because, if it weren’t for Denir, I wouldn’t have been able to endure what I endured wearing the Flamengo jersey. A guy who was honored as a true idol. A packed Maracanã, with his flag as a sign of recognition — said Diego during the lecture.

WHO WAS DENIR AT FLAMENGO?

Denir was the Flamengo masseur for 42 years. That is, he worked with names ranging from Zico to Gabigol at Mengão. In September 2022, shortly before turning 74, the Flamengo legend was diagnosed with cancer and fought a battle against the disease. However, he passed away on the first day of 2024.

As for Diego, Denir ended up being one of the number 10’s advisors during the midfielder’s worst moment at the club. In 2018, the former player received criticism and faced protests during Flamengo’s arrivals and departures. At the time, Ribas almost transferred to the United States, but Denir brought calm to his friend.

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