Galatasaray's Mariano reveals Flamengo spoke to him last season | OneFootball

During the 2019 season, Flamengo invested heavily in their signings, which paid off as they went on to win the first Copa Libertadores-Brasileirão double in nearly 60 years.

At the time, as it is currently, one of the club’s priorities was the arrival of a right back.

Among those who were speculated to arrive was the Brazilian Mariano, who formerly played at Fluminense and Sevilla and is currently plying his trade at Galatasaray.

At the time, rumours grew in both the Turkish and Brazilian press but the negotiations failed to advance past the early stages.

In an interview with Esporte Interativo, Mariano revealed that he indeed spoke with Flamengo officials, though it was clear to him that he was far from their first priority.

“I had an enquiry from Flamengo before Rafinha arrived. A person from Flamengo called me and got in touch, but he made it very clear that their first option was Rafinha.

“I’m happy here in Turkey but, of course, Flamengo is Flamengo. I wanted whatever is good for both sides, but we sit and talk. I did have a conversation with someone inside Flamengo.”

Though Mariano is still a regular starter for Galatasaray at nearly 34 years of age, his contract expires this summer – which could open the door for him to arrive and become second-fiddle for Rafinha.

In 22 Süper Lig matches this season, Mariano has provided an eye-opening five assists for Turkey’s third-placed side.