Augusto Melo took the helm at Corinthians on January 3, stepping into a world buzzing with whispers of Gabigol’s potential arrival. Over a month had passed, the initial rounds of discussions had quieted, yet suddenly, fresh whispers began to stir.
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On a crisp Monday evening, on the show Arena SBT, Melo shared insights that piqued interest. The president revealed, with a note of reflection in his voice, “Gabigol was indeed presented to us…He was a perfect match for what we envisioned. We had aligned on the financials, everything seemed to be falling into place. Yet, regrettably, we had to step back,” he admitted, hinting at the complexities behind the scenes.
Melo was quick to temper expectations, emphasizing his commitment to building not just a team but an ethos. “Let me be clear,” he stated, “I never dangled the promise of a blockbuster signing in front of our fans. What I promised was the creation of a formidable, competitive squad.” He paused, letting the words hang in the air, signaling his unwavering resolve despite the challenges.
He continued, his voice carrying a mix of determination and pragmatism, “I’m confident we’ll gel together soon. Our eyes are on bolstering our defense with one, maybe two more players. But let’s not kid ourselves; the task is daunting.” He touched on the financial realities, a hint of frustration seeping through. “Negotiations are conducted in euros, which only amplifies the cost for us, compelling us to tread more cautiously,” he concluded, outlining the financial hurdles that lay ahead.
