Flamengo coach Dorival Júnior believes that young midfielder Mattheus is making a mistake by moving to Juventus so early in his career and used Neymar as an example of the benefits from staying in Brazil for longer.
Mattheus, 18, was subject to a bid from the Italian club during the transfer window but the move broke down. However, the midfielder is out of contract in December with Flamengo and, after refusing to sign a new deal, is determined to leave and join the Italian giants.
“I intend to use him (Mattheus), he is able to grow at Flamengo,” Júnior told Globo Esporte.
“Agents would be doing him a big favor if they let him complete that cycle. Fatally he goes to a big club. It would be ideal for him to stay.
“Look what has happened with Neymar and it is a clear example. The young player has had the best conditions at his club here in Brazil.
“He will get a step further with the passage of time and with more games. I just hope that agents have this awareness.”
The deal to move to Juventus is not yet agreed but the player’s agents belive it is just a matter of time and he will be able to sign a contract with the Turin club from July, as he will have just six months remaining at Flamengo.
Source: Globo Esporte
