De La Cruz speaks out after row with former Flamengo doctor

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Coluna do Fla

·18 August 2025

De La Cruz speaks out after row with former Flamengo doctor

De La Cruz returned to the field after a month away from the pitch

Flamengo defeated Internacional this Sunday (17), 3-1, for the 20th round of the Brasileirão. Besides the red-black victory, the night was also special for De La Cruz, who returned to play with the Sacred Mantle. After the match, the Uruguayan commented on the controversy with José Luiz Runco and rebutted criticisms about his physical condition.

— No one knows my body better than I do. Today I felt good. I will continue working to stay in the sequence of games. Then, the coach will put the players on the field. I will try to be available for the upcoming games, I am working for that. Wednesday there's more -, he said, before concluding:

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— I was with my family. I think a lot was said, a lot happened. Now I won't talk, I focus on what I have to do. Regardless of what people say, I know what I have to do. I'm focused and I have to work to play. I'm calm. Today I came back very well, I'm very happy about that -, concluded De La Cruz.

WHAT IS THE CONTROVERSY BETWEEN RUNCO AND DE LA CRUZ?

De La Cruz was the target of criticisms from José Luiz Runco, former general medical director of Flamengo. Thus, through a group on Whatsapp, formed by members of Fla's politics, the professional sent messages 'blasting' the midfielder's hiring. Shortly after, following bad repercussions in the background, Mengão chose to dismiss the employee.

“Dear João. Good afternoon. I will try to explain the situation of De la Cruz. Player bought in another administration, without the slightest condition, as he presents a chronic and irreparable injury in the right knee, and an injury also in the left knee. As we are bipeds, we have difficulties of balance and muscle balance if some member is already affected. We are trying to do the possible so that he can participate, but it is very complicated. And, about the sale, only if there is some club that has interest for another reason and not to play competitive football. Sincerely“, said Runco.

WHY WAS DE LA CRUZ OUT OF FLAMENGO'S GAMES?

De La Cruz had not played for Flamengo since the 1-0 defeat to Santos, on July 16. This is because, the midfielder presented pains in the left knee and, therefore, started a physical reconditioning process, aiming at the sequence of the season. Now, this Sunday (17), the Uruguayan played for about 25 minutes.

WHAT IS FLAMENGO'S NEXT GAME?

With De La Cruz available, Flamengo returns to the field this Wednesday (20) to face Internacional, for the return of the round of 16 of the Libertadores. In addition, the match takes place at 9:30 pm, at Beira-Rio, in Porto Alegre. Thus, as tradition dictates, the Coluna do Fla will bring the best coverage of the internet, through the YouTube, the site and the social networks.

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