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after a turbulent week, midfielder Thiago Neves, from Sport, is back in Belo Horizonte, a city where he experienced controversial moments in his career – both with Cruzeiro and Atlético-MG, rivals in next Saturday’s match at Mineirão, for the 21st round of Serie A.
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This will be his second game against Galo in Belo Horizonte after the confusion that involved his possible signing by the team – aborted after pressure from the fans (remember below). In the first match, Thiago didn’t shine, but he wasn’t defeated. The Lion managed to hold a draw 0-0.
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Thiago Neves in Sport x Cuiabá — Photo: Marlon Costa / Pernambuco Press
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Read below the midfielder’s relationship with Minas.
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In Minas, Thiago Neves lived several different phases. There was a moment of glory, when it was one of the main pieces of a multi-champion cruise. He won two Minas Gerais Championships and twice the Copa do Brasil, as one of the protagonists, and received idol status.
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In 2019, however, the positive image collapsed. Thiago Neves was seen by the fans as one of the culprits in the team’s relegation to Serie B. He left the club with the name worn out.
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Demonstration against the hiring of Thiago Neves took place at the door of Atlético-MG headquarters — Photo: Frederico Ribeiro
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In early 2020, the midfielder made a deal with Grêmio, but he didn’t last long there. In September of that year, he left the Rio Grande do Sul club. A few days later, his phone rang. On the other side of the line, was the football executive Alexandre Mattos with an unusual proposal: Would Thiago Neves agree to play for Atlético-MG?
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The offer was bold because, during his time as a Cruzeiro player, Thiago Neves got tired of provoking the Rooster. He himself told the then athletic director that there would be resistance from the Alvinegros.
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Thiago Neves during Atlético-MG x Sport, in 2020 — Photo: Agência i7/Mineirão
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- Sport never beat Atlético-MG away from home in Serie A in straight points
- The prophecy of the time: back on the Sport team, Hernanes wants to “surprise” the Atlético-MG leader
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There was. And it was strong. Some Alvinegros went to the front of the club’s headquarters to protest against the arrangement.
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The reaction worked. Faced with the pressure, the board of Atlético-MG decided to undo the arrangement, which upset Thiago Neves. The midfielder sent a notification to the club and promised to charge R$20 million for breach of contract. So far, however, the threat has not materialized in a lawsuit.
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After a smooth start at Sport, Thiago Neves was involved in controversy this week. He went viral on social media when responding to criticism from a red-black fan about athletes “running the environment” in Ilha do Retiro.
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The midfielder rebutted the accusation, calling it “unfair”. In his defense, he argued that, to help the club, he even bought fruit, showers for the TC and equipment for the day to day training sessions.
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But their challenge got it badly – externally and internally. The crowd thought he exposed the club. Same vision as the board. Thiago was reprimanded by Rubro-negro in a meeting with the board and coach Gustavo Florentín, according to the vice president of Sport at Sport, Nelo Campos.
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Banner Sport — Photo: Publicity / Sport
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