Flamengo President Sparks Controversy With Remark About Gonzalo Plata’s Nightlife

The failed transfer of Gonzalo Plata to Dynamo Moscow has exposed tensions around the Ecuadorian forward’s future at Flamengo. The controversy began after Brazilian journalist Venê Casagrande published a remark attributed to Flamengo president Luiz Eduardo Baptista, known as BAP.

According to Casagrande, Baptista made the comment during a meeting of Flamengo’s Deliberative Council. “I am very happy with Plata’s sale because now we no longer need to walk around Rio de Janeiro at night to find out even how much he is drinking,” he reportedly said.

The remark drew attention in Brazil because, if accurately reported, it suggested that Flamengo’s leadership had concerns about Plata’s conduct away from football. It surfaced just as Plata was preparing to return to the Brazilian club after his proposed move to Russia fell through.

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I am very happy with Plata’s sale because now we no longer need to walk around Rio de Janeiro at night to find out even how much he is drinking.

Plata had traveled to Russia to complete the transfer, which reports valued at more than $13 million. Dynamo Moscow later decided not to proceed after medical examinations. Initial reports linked the decision to a problem with one of the player’s knees.

Plata said he was surprised by the finding and denied having previously injured that area. “I think I will land in Spain to undergo the tests again because it is crazy. They say I have an injury in a place where I have never been hurt,” he told the Brazilian outlet Paparazzo Rubro-Negro.

After the transfer collapsed, Flamengo issued a statement defending Plata’s physical condition. The club’s medical department said he was fit to play high-level football, contradicting reports that had questioned his fitness.

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I think I will land in Spain to undergo the tests again because it is crazy. They say I have an injury in a place where I have never been hurt.