Flamengo’s new head coach Jorge Jesus has revealed he tried to sign Inter outcast Gabriel Barbosa while in charge of Sporting Lisbon.
Barbosa, who is more commonly known as ‘Gabigol’, is on loan with the Brazilian club until 31 December and will now get the chance to work with the Portuguese manager.
Jesus was presented to the media yesterday and explained how Barbosa, who ultimately joined rivals Benfica instead, consulted former Inter team-mate Joao Mario about Sporting.
“Gabigol was very close friends with Joao Mario and told him he liked the idea of playing for Sporting,” the 64-year-old told reporters.
“He asked if he could speak to me and that was what happened. I had a chat with him and tried to convince him to sign for Sporting, but in the end he went to Benfica.”
Barbosa made just five appearances in a disastrous loan spell at Benfica, scoring once in a cup match against Olhanense.
