After losing some of its young players in the offseason, defending champion Flamengo has finally added another big name to their roster to add more defensive options in the team.

Former Santos defender Gustavo Henrique will now play in a Flamengo uniform as he joins the Brazil Serie A champions next season after inking a four-year deal with the team. He is set to arrive this month after his recent contract with Santos has ended on the 31st of January.

He was a daily choice in the Santos’ starting lineup, playing in 55 games while scoring five goals. He actually wanted to play in the big leagues in Europe, but did not get any nice offers from teams in the continent, which led him to play for the South American champions.

‘I’m happy and motivated. I hope to exceed the expectations of the fans. They will be on my back and I have to perform’, he said in an exclusive interview. ‘I look forward to wearing this shirt and you can be sure there that I will deliver. 2019 was very good for Flamengo and I want to write my name in club history in 2020’.

His addition to the team gives head coach Jorge Jesus a lot of defensive options down the stretch. He will have to try and work very hard if he wants a starting position on the team, as the team has Rodrigo Caio and Pablo Mari on the same spot that he is playing at.

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The team has recently added Pedro Rocha on a one-year loan from Spartak Moscow, and 18-year-old striker Thiago from Nautico who will play for the team’s U-20s.

Gustavo revealed a concerning thing about the team’s future in a press conference where the team has introduced him. He was in recent contact with star Gabriel Barbosa, and is trying to convince him to stay.

‘Gabigol told me that I could come with my eyes closed. I already told him saying that he has to stay for us to win titles’, Gustavo said in his introductory press conference. ‘He must stay. I will cheer a lot. But everyone has to do what’s best for their career. I’ll hope he stays’.

Gabigol then went on to sign a permanent deal with the Rubro-Negro, which was a big thing for Gustavo.

He also commented on the competition regarding the centre-back position,

‘I respect their story (Rodrigo Caio and Pablo Marí). On a day-to-day basis, I will try my best to earn Mister’s trust as well’, said Gustavo. ‘I followed the games a lot. The backline has reinforced and it will be a very good dispute. I get along well with everyone, and I’ve come here to help’.

Flamengo finished with a strong 28-4-6 record in the season, clinching the league title while also defeating River Plate in the Copa Libertadores to claim the continent title. Last season has been a fun run for the Rubro-Negro, but they will have to improve on their game if they want that consistency to continue.

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Words: Paul Daniel Flores

Image: PA