Saúl reveals why he turned down a European club: "When Flamengo call..." | OneFootball

Besiktas (TUR) had advanced talks to sign Saúl Ñíguez

Saúl Ñíguez was announced last Wednesday (23) as the first reinforcement of the Flamengo in this transfer window. The Most Beloved, in fact, had to 'cross' the negotiation between Milan (ITA), the player's former club, and Besiktas (TUR). After the first day at the Urubu's Nest, the midfielder explained the reason for giving up the Turkish offer and signing with Mengão.

— I had (an offer) from Turkey, which was the closest because economically it was really very strong. But there were many other offers in Europe, including in Spain and other places. But, in the end, when you're called by a club like Flamengo, you have to go. You can't say no -, he said, before concluding:

— I think it's a decision made together with my family. It will be very important that they can adapt to the city. Everything they told me about Rio is wonderful. I wanted to prove and show all my football soon. I think with this team and this coach it will be possible -, concluded Saúl, in an interview with 'Flamengo TV'.

HOW MUCH DID FLAMENGO PAY TO SIGN SAÚL?

It's worth noting that Flamengo didn't pay anything to Atlético de Madrid to sign Saúl Ñíguez. This is because, before signing a contract with Mengão, the midfielder terminated his contract with the Spanish club and, therefore, became 'free' in the transfer market. In this way, the rubro-negra management will only pay bonuses and fees to have the Spaniard in Filipe Luís' squad.

WHEN WILL SAÚL MAKE HIS DEBUT FOR FLAMENGO?

Flamengo will have to 'run against time' if they want to have Saúl Ñíguez on the field this Sunday (27), against Atlético-MG. This is because the midfielder needs to be regularized in the Daily Information Bulletin (BID) of the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) by Friday (25). After all, according to the entity's regulations, players need to be registered up to 48 hours before the match.

WHEN DO FLAMENGO AND ATLÉTICO-MG FACE EACH OTHER?

With doubts about Saúl's presence, Flamengo faces Atlético-MG this Sunday (27), in the 17th round of the Brazilian Championship. The interstate classic takes place at 20:30 (Brasília time), at the Maracanã. Thus, as tradition dictates, Coluna do Fla will bring the best coverage of the match, through the website and social networks.

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