PEDRO ADDS MORE FUEL TO THE FIRE WITH FLAMENGO AND SUGGESTS BREAKUP AS THE BEST WAY OUT | HERNAN

The situation surrounding Pedro Guilherme, the Flamengo player, has escalated significantly following his recent social media statement. This statement, intended to clarify his stance after internal discussions, has instead fueled further controversy. Pedro expressed feeling devalued and exposed after reports surfaced that the club's football department had put him up for sale and considered him surplus to requirements for the remainder of the season. He emphasized his dedication and fight for a place in the team since day one, highlighting the important titles he helped secure and his place in the club's history. Pedro’s statement did not include an apology for his actions, such as not training, but rather a justification, stating that the situation negatively impacted his performance. He also deemed the public explanation for his absence from the squad as "above tone and disrespectful." This response, far from appeasing the situation, has led to speculation that a complete rupture between Pedro and Flamengo might be the best solution for all parties involved, with his agents reportedly seeking new clubs and proposals for his departure.

Pedro's Public Statement

Pedro took to social media to address the recent events, expressing his feelings to Flamengo supporters, for whom he holds "great respect and gratitude." He clarified that the statement came after internal discussions within the club. His core grievance revolved around feeling "devalued and exposed" after a club official reportedly put him up for sale, effectively deeming him disposable for the rest of the season. He recounted his journey at Flamengo, emphasizing his struggle, dedication, and the significant titles he won, asserting that he expected more respect. The player openly admitted that this incident caused a decline in his daily performance during the previous week, which explained his absence from the squad. While he acknowledged his reduced performance, he clarified that the public explanation for his non-selection was "above tone and disrespectful," despite the simple internal explanation. He concluded by stating that everything was clarified with his teammates and that the focus should now be on Flamengo's upcoming game.

Once internally clarified, I come publicly to speak with Flamengo fans, for whom I have the utmost respect and gratitude, about the events that have happened in recent days. It is undeniable that I felt devalued and exposed after a member of the club's football department put me up for sale and discarded me for the rest of the season. I built my career at Flamengo with great struggle and dedication. I fought for my place from day one. I won important titles and a place in history. I expected more respect. It is evident that this fact made my daily performance drop. I have no vanity and I admit that during the last week my performance was below my teammates. That's why, in fact, I was not selected. The explanation for not being selected was simple and clear, but the way it was publicly exposed was over the top and disrespectful. To my teammates, everything is clarified and discussed internally. On Wednesday, Mengão is on the field and nothing else matters. Rubro-Negra greetings.

Adding Fuel to the Fire

Analysts believe Pedro's statement, while a justification of his actions, did not offer an apology to the coach or the club, instead escalating the conflict. By stating he felt disrespected and exposed, and by criticizing the public explanation from the coach as "above tone and disrespectful," Pedro has effectively added "more fuel to the fire." This suggests a strong sense of grievance and a lack of willingness to reconcile on his part. The mention of being put up for sale, with a specific price and a statement implying he wouldn't fetch that value, further highlighted his feeling of disrespect. This communication from Pedro has made it abundantly clear that a separation might be the most viable solution, with his agents actively seeking new opportunities for him. The situation is not seen as one that will be easily appeased.

Professional Responsibility vs. Personal Grievance

Despite Pedro's personal feelings of being upset and exposed due to leaked information, especially regarding his potential sale, critics argue that this does not excuse his professional conduct, specifically his refusal to train. While acknowledging that feeling exposed could upset a player, it is emphasized that such feelings do not grant a player the right to neglect their responsibilities as a professional. The player could have engaged with the board to express his disappointment about the leaked information and discuss potential transfers. However, failing to train and "harming the team" and his teammates is considered unacceptable. The distinction is made between personal feelings and professional obligations, asserting that he must continue to act professionally. Pedro's actions suggest a focus on accountability from the club and coach, while prioritizing his teammates, conveying a message of "I will return with the same coin." This ongoing tension means there is "no peace" or "truce" in the immediate future, with more debates expected and the reaction of the fans eagerly anticipated.

Financial and Market Implications

The discussion extended to the potential clubs that might be interested in Pedro. Given the financial power required, it is unlikely that any Brazilian club could afford him. The possibility of a move to a European club is considered, with the transfer window currently open. However, uncertainty remains regarding the specific European markets. While Pedro is recognized for his talent, even considered a potential Brazilian national team player, his current situation is not conducive to a high-value transfer to a major European league like the Premier League, unless it is a significantly discounted price (€3 million to €5 million), which Flamengo would likely reject. Other potential markets mentioned include the Russian and Arab leagues, which are known for their higher financial investments. The challenge for Pedro's career management would be balancing a move to these markets with his ambition for the national team, especially with the World Cup approaching. The sentiment is that Pedro is "wasting time" in his career by engaging in this conflict, especially considering the upcoming World Cup and the negative impact of his strained relationship with Flamengo's massive fanbase and coaching staff.

Takeaways

1. Escalated Conflict: Pedro's public statement, while clarifying his perspective, has intensified the dispute with Flamengo, as he justified his actions without apologizing, instead criticizing the club's conduct.
2. Feeling Devalued: Pedro explicitly stated he felt "devalued and exposed" after being reportedly put up for sale by the club, which he feels disrespected his dedication and historical contribution to Flamengo.
3. Professional Conduct Questioned: While acknowledging Pedro's right to feel upset, critics argue his refusal to train and potential harm to the team is unprofessional, regardless of his personal grievances.
4. Uncertain Future: The situation strongly suggests a potential separation between Pedro and Flamengo, with his agents actively seeking new opportunities, likely in European, Russian, or Arab markets due to the financial demands.
5. Career Impact: Pedro's current conflict is seen as detrimental to his career, particularly impacting his aspirations for the national team with the World Cup approaching.

References

• Latest news on Pedro Flamengo
• Flamengo transfer rumors Pedro
• Pedro Guilherme player profile