Andreas Pereira’s mistake in the Copa Libertadores final last year is still a big issue which continues to follow him in Brazil. That’s what it took him nearly five months to finally have a sit down and talk about it.
This was the main subject of an interview the Flamengo midfielder had with Globo Esporte at the weekend. And as a consequence of that, they also discussed his potential permanent exit from Manchester United.
The Brazilian club are still to announce whether they’re buying Pereira from the Red Devils or not, as they have until the end of his loan spell, in June, to take that decision.
“I have a contract until June and I will always do my best for Flamengo. I’m focused and positive for whatever comes,” Pereira told Globo Esporte.
“I just want to thank the fans, the teammates, and everything they are doing for me and have done. It was really difficult, very difficult after the final, but it’s something that inside me I’ve already overcome. I’ve already put it back and I’m looking forward more calmly. I’m sure I have enough quality to reverse this situation.”
It’s been widely reported in Brazil that despite the €20m buying option Flamengo had over the player, the clubs ended up agreeing that the transfer can be done for €10m. Now Pereira is not sure if this is good or bad for him.
“I don’t pay much attention to these things, but everyone knows that I prioritised Flamengo. Everyone in the club knows this. It’s hard for me to talk about my own value, but a Manchester United player for 10 million euros… Should I be cheaper? I’m doing my best, but I can’t say if it’s too expensive or cheap.
“I’m calm and focused. I know there’s this indecision. I also have to talk about it with the people close to me, and on the pitch I’m calm. I know it can be resolved in a month, at the end before I leave, but I’m calm and always thinking about the next game.”
Asked if there’d be frustration if he leaves Flamengo on a bad note, the midfielder disagreed, and continued to make clear that his priority is to stay in Rio de Janeiro.
“Not frustration. I came to Flamengo to show my football and I will show a lot more. Of course, the disappointment of not having won the titles remains, for sure, but I always tried to show my value on the pitch and the fans recognised it.
“I always told my friends and Flamengo that I always prioritised them, and that Flamengo is very important to me.”
