Bebeto hits back at former Flamengo president over 1989 transfer | OneFootball

Bebeto has denied claims by a former Flamengo president that the attacker asked for twice what Zico was earning during contract negotiations in 1989.

Gilberto Filho had told ESPN Brazil journalist Mauro Cezar that it was outlandish financial demands that led to Bebeto’s exit from the Rubro-Negro at that time.

However, the 1994 World Cup winner has strenuously denied asking for such extravagant wages.

“He lied,” Bebeto told ESPN’s Sportscenter show.

“I never wanted to leave Flamengo, which is something that is part of my family, and I always had Zico as my idol,” the 56-year-old insisted.

Bebeto would go on to controversially join Flamengo’s city rivals Vasco da Gama, and he suggested that Filho has brought this issue up to try and blame him for the losing the role of president in 1990.

The attacker, who was 25 at the time, claimed that he was actually prepared to take a financial hit to remain with the Mengão.

“He was wrong at the time,” said Bebeto.

“I did everything to renew, asking for half of what I was going to earn at Vasco. Gilberto never valued me,” he added.

Bebeto would spend three seasons at Vasco before transferring to Spanish outfit Deportivo La Coruña in 1992.

He was at the La Liga side when he helped Brazil claim their fourth World Cup by forming a magnificent strike partnership with Romário at the tournament in the United States.