Juventus have returned to Brazil once more in search of young talent and are close to completing the signing of 18-year-old Flamengo playmaker Mattheus—son of 1994 World Cup winner Bebeto.
The Italian club met with Flamengo officials on Friday at the headquarters of MFD, the agency who are managing Mattheus’ career. A deal has been struck which will see Flamengo receive approximately €2 million for their 80% ownership of the Brazil Under-20 star.
The club have agreed the sale of the youngster, whose current contract expires at the end of 2013, after Bebeto and MFD made it clear that he would not be extending his stay at the Gavea.
Initial talks began in October, but it was only when Flamengo’s new directors were appointed in December that the deal began to gather pace.
Bebeto distanced himself from the decision making process, but confirmed the negotiation was taking place.
“It is MFD who manage Mattheus’ career. I don’t have time to deal with it and I prefer to stay away. However, I knew of this,” he said. “Juventus’ people were at the South American Under-20 championship. In truth, they have been following Mattheus for a long time.
“Flamengo will always be in my heart, everybody knows this. It’s clear that I would prefer Mattheus to stay at Flamengo. It’s clear that I would like to have my son near to me.”
Mattheus was, of course, the inspiration for Bebeto’s famous cradle-rocking celebration in 1994 and has been at Flamengo since the age of 10.
A regular member of the Brazil Under-20 side for the past year, Mattheus was one of the few members of the recent South American championship squad to leave with his reputation unscathed—as Brazil crashed out in the opening round.
Source: Globo Esporte
