Officially announced by Fluminense, Douglas Costas performed at CT Carlos Castilho last Sunday to begin work for the 2024 season. The player went through the club’s physiology and physiotherapy areas and began activities on the field with his teammates. With no history of recent injuries, the idea is that the player will be ready to play in the Recopa games, against LDU, on the 22nd and 29th of February.
Douglas Costa had been training with a physical trainer for a month
Douglas Costa has not played since October. After leaving the Los Angeles Galaxy, Douglas Costas spent the last month training on his own, under the guidance of physical trainer Marquinhos, the same one from the time he played for Bayern Munich and Juventus.
During his preparation in the United States, Douglas Costa even trained with an old acquaintance of the tricolor fans: former full-back Gabriel, who played for Flu in 2005, 2007 and 2008. He arrives at Flu leaner and with more physical preparation. advanced than when he presented to Grêmio, in 2021.
1 of 3 Gabriel and Douglas Costa training in the United States — Photo: Reproduction Instagram Gabriel and Douglas Costa training in the United States — Photo: Reproduction Instagram
– I’ve been getting ready. Of course, preparing alone is totally different than being in a group. I made a point of, when we got it right, running here so I could train with my colleagues, learn from my colleagues so we could get to know each other better – said Douglas upon arrival in Brazil.
Douglas Costa’s contract with Fluminense will have a productivity clause. The player also agreed to reduce his salary request to fit the club’s standards. Douglas Costa had an agreement in place to defend Samsunspor, from Türkiye.
He had a trip booked and bags were packed to return to the European continent, his initial desire. Of everyone involved, he was the one who offered the best figures. But three Brazilian clubs were also in this dispute: Cruzeiro, Corinthians and Fluminense.
2 of 3 Douglas Costa training in the United States — Photo: Instagram Reproduction Douglas Costa training in the United States — Photo: Instagram Reproduction
Cruzeiro was the first to make contact with Douglas Costa’s staff, but financially the proposal was not satisfactory. Among the Brazilians, Corinthians was the one who made the best offer, but recent controversies, such as late payments to Matias Rojas and the non-signing of Lucas Veríssimo’s contract, left them on the back foot. Then the Fluminense appeared to change the attacker’s head. Douglas Costa was revealed by Grêmio, emerging as a great promise.
3 of 3 Douglas Costa training before the deal with Flu — Photo: Reproduction Instagram Douglas Costa training before the deal with Flu — Photo: Reproduction Instagram
Fred was the first to make contact with businessman Junior Mendonza. He knew the conditions and terms of a transfer and was one of the biggest supporters of the signing. Afterwards, Fernando Diniz arrived on the scene, called the athlete and spoke about what he thought about him with the club. Other players, such as Diogo Barbosa and Lucas Calegari, who played with Douglas Costa at the Los Angeles Galaxy, also helped.
Douglas Costa talks about Diniz’s call before agreeing with Flu: “Happy for the call”
For the attacker, the choice for Fluminense it also has to do with your career goals — and not just the financial side. The fact that Tricolor will compete in the Super Club World Cup in 2025 filled his eyes. He will have another chance to be present in front of the elite of world football. This year, seeking the Recopa Sul-Americana and Conmebol Libertadores titles was pleasing.
Regarding salary, Douglas Costa is “within the club’s conditions”. The numbers are not revealed, but this is what circulates within Laranjeiras. Compared to what he received at Grêmio in 2021 (around R$1.5 million per month), it is less than half the amount.
In addition to Douglas Costa, the Fluminense has already announced five other reinforcements so far: goalkeeper Felipe Alves, defender Antônio Carlos, midfielder Gabriel Pires and midfielders Renato Augusto and Terans. The club also has an agreement with striker Lucumí.
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2024-01-29 13:00:14
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