De La Cruz asks Flamengo for time after ex-club doctor comments

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Coluna do Fla

·25 luglio 2025

De La Cruz asks Flamengo for time after ex-club doctor comments

De La Cruz upset with Runco's exposure and asked Flamengo for a few days off

On Tuesday (22), the backstage of Flamengo was once again agitated. This is because José Luiz Runco, former general medical director of the club, criticized the physical condition of Nicolás De La Cruz and the player's hiring by Rodolfo Landim's management. In the meantime, feeling exposed and upset, the number 18 asked for a 'break' from Fla.

What happened?

According to the report by Coluna do Fla, De La Cruz was released by Flamengo to spend a few days with his family in Uruguay. However, the reason was not the player's physical condition or any medical problem. In short, the player asked for a break from the club after being upset with the exposure he suffered from the now former director of Fla.

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Thus, De La Cruz will spend the weekend with his family in Uruguay. The player was released from Friday (25) until Sunday (27), and is expected to return to training for Flamengo next Monday (28). In the meantime, the number 18 will miss the Most Beloved next game of the Brasileirão, against Atlético-MG.

What was the controversy involving Runco at Fla?

Until then general medical director of Flamengo, José Luiz Runco criticized the physical condition of De La Cruz. According to information from 'GE', the professional sent a message in a Whatsapp group, formed by members of Fla's politics, criticizing the player's hiring.

I'll try to explain the situation of De la Cruz. Player bought in another management, without the slightest condition, as he presents a chronic and irreparable injury in his right knee, and an injury also in his left knee. As we are bipeds, we have difficulties of balance and muscle balance if any limb 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.

What did Flamengo do about it?

It is important to note that after all the controversy, Flamengo chose to fire José Luiz Runco from the position of general medical director of the club. Until then, the Rubro-Negro has not hired any other professional to fill the vacancy opened in Luiz Eduardo Baptista's management.

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