Flamengo unveils Freitas and Valencia to press at Ninho do Urubu

Flamengo formally introduced new signings Joaquín Freitas and Anthony Valencia to the press on Friday, with both players signing through 2031. Alongside football director José Boto at the George Helal training centre, the two arrivals fielded questions from journalists about joining the Rubro-Negro, their first impressions and expectations for the remainder of the season.

Erick Pulgar also featured in the presentation. The Chilean midfielder, who extended his deal with Flamengo through 2029, made a brief appearance before the press conference began and offered his thanks for the new contract.

"I just want to thank Boto, the president, the fans, who are always with us, my family and my friends," Pulgar said. The midfielder has been at the club since August 2022.

Boto then outlined Flamengo's transfer window strategy, emphasising the pursuit of young players with the potential to contribute immediately but, more importantly, in the years ahead. According to the director, both Freitas and Valencia are products of the club's scouting department.

"These are players we believe can help us over the next four months, but we have great hopes for their futures," Boto said, highlighting the squad renewal process and the financial responsibility being practised by the club.

During the conference, Joaquín Freitas, signed from River Plate, spoke about his qualities and his expectations as a Flamengo player.

"I consider myself an intense player, quite quick to break lines. There's no lost ball for me. I'll fight for every one as if it were my last. I love to play football, which is the most beautiful game," said the new number 30.

The Argentine also revealed he will use Pedro as a reference and learn from him. Freitas expressed his anticipation of playing CONMEBOL Libertadores for Flamengo, having previously featured in River's Copa Sudamericana campaign.

"Now we're going to play the Libertadores, which is the most important tournament. The expectation is to win, as Flamengo demands. We're going to play together for it," he added.

Valencia, who arrives after time in Belgian football, also thanked the club's board and president Luiz Eduardo Baptista for the opportunity. He expressed his joy at pulling on the sacred shirt.

"I didn't think twice. Flamengo is a very big club and I know this represents huge responsibility. The players who've been here longer are helping me. I want to win titles for the club," Valencia said.

The new number 14 also recounted his first experience at the Maracanã. Alongside Freitas, he attended the match against Mirassol and was struck by the atmosphere created by the fans.

"I felt a very beautiful energy. I'm keen to play there and feel the love of the fans," he said.

Freitas added:

"I was with Anthony before we went in and we couldn't believe it. We walked into the stadium and it had a huge impact on us. The supporters gave us a great reception. I'm very eager to play there too."