Rogério Ceni thanks supporters after title, understands criticism | OneFootball

On Thursday night, despite losing against Rogério Ceni’s former club São Paulo, Flamengo were able to celebrate their eighth title after Internacional drew Corinthians 0-0 in Porto Alegre.

At times, Rogério Ceni came under mass criticism from Flamengo supporters for the performances of the club after he replaced Domènec Torrent.

Despite posting a record of 12 wins, four draws, and seven losses, Ceni was able to get the job done by winning the title, and thanked the Flamengo faithful for their patience.

“I am very grateful and I understand the criticisms,” he said after the match.

“Flamengo comes from an extremely winning year, which had never existed in the history of the club.

“I understand the comparisons, the criticisms are part of the job, but I hope it brings us closer. It is what I can wish for.

“May you understand that despite having played for a lifetime in São Paulo, I was always the best guy I could be every day, and in the place where I work, I will continue to be the best guy I can every day. So I did my best since I arrived.

“I could have accepted to take over after the Copa do Brasil, but I wanted to come here without sleep to try to do something big.

“It could have been very comfortable but that’s not how it works. I have the greatest respect for the fans, for those who criticize and for those who encourage.”

In other news, César’s bruised knee in training ended up being an injury that damaged his ACL. Therefore, he will need at least six months to recover and his loan move to Atlético-GO will be cancelled.

Atlético-GO would have paid 50 per cent of the player’s salary, which would have saved Flamengo R$1.2m.