Flamengo midfielder Nicolás de la cruz has returned to training after a controversial incident involving the club’s former medical chief, Dr. José Luiz Runco.
The Uruguayan international, who joined Flamengo two years ago, was reportedly upset by comments made by Runco in a private whatsapp group. Runco allegedly described de la Cruz’s knee injuries as “chronic and irreparable” and suggested he would only be sold if a club was interested for reasons other than his playing ability. This statement led to Runco’s dismissal from the club.
In the wake of the controversy, de la Cruz received support from teammates, including Arrascaeta, Vina, and Léo ortiz.Former Santos and Uruguayan national team player, Che, also posted a supportive message on social media, stating, “Always ahead, De la Cruz. You already know.What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger.Against everything together. Today and always.” The club granted de la Cruz permission to spend the weekend in Uruguay to “recover his energies” before rejoining the team.
De la Cruz began his professional career at Liverpool (URU) in 2016 before moving to River Plate (ARG) in 2017, where he became a prominent player until his transfer to Flamengo in 2023.
