November 12, 2024 – Following Flamengo's victory in the Copa do Brasil, Gabigol officially announced his departure from the club and openly criticized the Flamengo management. The striker exposed the tensions that had been brewing between him and the club, especially after a series of inappropriate behaviors, culminating in a disrespectful act during the last match. These incidents led the board's decision to not call him up for the match against Atlético-MG.
Gabigol and Filipe Luís: Conflict and Misconduct
During halftime of the Copa do Brasil final, after learning that he would be substituted, Gabigol confronted coach Filipe Luís directly. Clearly irritated, he took off his team jersey and went to the stadium's MRV locker room, where he had a public disagreement with the coach, disregarding the given instructions. Although he calmed down and returned to the bench, the episode marked a breaking point. This incident was not the only one to create friction. When the Copa do Brasil was won, Gabigol distanced himself from the collective celebration. He chose not to join his teammates, isolating himself from the team, which further widened the gap between him and the rest of the squad.Relationship with Teammates: A Crumbling Bond
After the title win, Gabigol's behavior continued to stir controversy. When Filipe Luís invited him to participate in the traditional ice bath after the victory, Gabigol reacted coldly, using rude words, which exacerbated the internal tension. Moreover, instead of joining his colleagues in the official title celebration, he hosted his own party and promoted the event on social media, leaving his teammates deeply disappointed.Flamengo's Decision: Gabigol's Exclusion
In light of these episodes, the Flamengo board decided to exclude Gabigol from the squad. The decision was made in order to preserve the harmony of the group and ensure the team's focus on the upcoming matches in the Copa do Brasil and the Campeonato Brasileiro. Gabigol's absence from the team was a strategic measure to prevent further misunderstandings within the squad.Gabigol's Reaction: Criticism and Controversy
In response to the decision, Gabigol expressed his dissatisfaction through social media, where he accused the departure as a unilateral decision made without his consent. Despite his reaction, the player was officially excluded from the call-up list for the match against Atlético-MG.Upcoming Matches for Flamengo:
- Atlético-MG (H) - November 13, at 8 PM (Brasilia time)
- Cuiabá (A) - November 20, at 7 PM (Brasilia time)
- Fortaleza (A) - November 26, at 7 PM (Brasilia time)
