Bap explains withdrawal from negotiations for Mikey Johnston

President Luiz Eduardo Baptista, known as Bap, opened up about the controversial decision to withdraw from the signing of Mikey Johnston. The president, however, downplayed the issue of his interference, which angered football director José Boto. He also explained the reasons for the change of heart, citing the Irish striker's physical problems.

"Someone has to ultimately make the decision. Of course, the president intervenes, but it's put in a certain way. Who am I to say that player A is better than B? That's not my role. Now, my role is to take the person who made the evaluation and say: 'But what principle did you use to evaluate this guy?' These are choices you have to make. It's not against the athlete, it's in favor of Flamengo ," he said.

Flamengo had agreed to sign striker Mikey Johnston from West Bromwich Albion in England. The player would have cost £5 million (approximately R$37 million). He already had a ticket to travel, but the president intervened in the negotiations.

Bap's interference displeased José Boto. The president even met with the Portuguese football director to smooth things over and resolve the crisis behind the scenes. They reached an agreement that sealed the director's stay . Now, they are anticipating an "aggressive window" in the search for reinforcements.

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