The Flamengo fans are unhappy with the departure of Pablo Mari to Arsenal, taking to their club’s Twitter account to express displeasure.
Flamengo defender Pablo Mari is on the way to Arsenal, with reports suggesting he’s joining on a loan deal with an option to buy this summer.
The Brazilian media caught him on camera with Arsenal technical director Edu in Rio de Janeiro’s airport. Then the English media caught him at Heathrow at the other end.
The player’s medical will take place over the weekend, with a transfer reportedly imminent.
It’s not hard to find out how the Flamengo fans feel about the move. Just take a quick look at the replies below their latest tweet.
Flamengo fan responses
Usa o dinheiro da venda do Marí, e compra ele de novo
— Rafinha Sinceroᶜʳᶠ (@rafinhasincero_) January 25, 2020
“Use the money from the sale of Mari, and buy him again.”
Tá te amo, vamos vencer! Agora me responde porque caralhos vendeu o Mari?
— RubroNegro81 (@Rubronegro_81) January 25, 2020
“Okay, I love you, let’s win! Now answer me, why the f**k did you sell Mari?”
Não falo mais com vocês enquanto não buscarem o Marí do Avião. pic.twitter.com/rPF5aaPElF
— león (@aquelegatosoueu) January 25, 2020
“I won’t talk to you anymore until you get Mari from the aeroplane.”
— Flamengo as Spotify (@Spoti_Fla) January 25, 2020
@PabloMV5 obrigado por tudo xerife, sempre honrou o Manto quando estava em campo. Sempre deu seu máximo dentro de campo, boa sorte na sua carreira. Sentiremos mts saudades⚫ pic.twitter.com/aXu3W3RWZD
— Lucas ⚫♂️ (@LC144HZ) January 25, 2020
“Thanks for everything, Sherrif. You always honoured the shirt when you were on the field. You always gave your best on the pitch, good luck with your career. We will miss you so much.”
— Lucas ⚫♂️ (@LC144HZ) January 25, 2020
Não entrega o passaporte do Marí
— Flamitagem (@FLAMITAGEM) January 25, 2020
“Do not deliver Mari’s passport.”
Queria estar feliz mas estou em depre com a saída do meu xerife. pic.twitter.com/ghXnuhgxyQ
— Luaᶜʳᶠ ¹⁸⁹⁵ (@Luanatorquatto2) January 25, 2020
“I want to be happy but I’m in disarray with the departure of my sheriff.”
Who is Pablo Mari?
A 26-year-old Spanish centre-back who was playing in Brazil for Flamengo. He won the Copa Libertadores with the team last year, the highest level of competition in South American football. They also won the Brazilian Serie A.
On an individual level, he made the Campeonato Brasileiro Serie A Team of the Year in 2019.
Brazilian journalist Tiago Cordeiro told Chris Davison Mari is a great passer, very tall but agile nonetheless. He isn’t the fastest defender, but he anticipates danger well. When he first left Europe he was a little clumsy but is growing out of that.
Tim Stillman adds that Mari suits the Arsenal style, as Flamengo play aggressive possession-based football with a high defensive line.
The centre-back is also left-footed, which is a boost for the Gunners’ squad. As a word of warning, Stillman notes he’s not sure Mari is a ‘world-beater’.
Gustavo Villani adds that Mari played ‘very well’ with Flamengo. He praised the defender’s positioning and the fact he impressed despite joining in relative silence.
Undoubtedly, the centre-back is strong in the air, thanks to his height. Mari has five goals since the start of the 2018/19 season, four from headers on set-pieces. His inexperience in Europe’s top-five leagues makes him a bit of a wildcard purchase though.