Nicolás de la Cruz and the Controversy at Flamengo: What’s Happening With the Libertadores Star

The controversy originated from a message sent in a private WhatsApp group by José Luiz Runco, a longtime doctor for both Flamengo and the Brazilian national team, who recently returned to the club in an administrative role overseeing the medical department. In the message, Runco questioned De la Cruz’s physical fitness, claiming he was signed “without the slightest condition” to perform at a high level and that his recovery presents a major challenge. He even suggested a transfer would only be feasible if a club were interested for reasons other than competitive football.

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