Part 2/8:
The journey began in October 2013, when an initial agreement was reached between Gabigol and Flamengo. Both parties had shaken hands on a promising five-year contract that would solidify Gabriel's future with the club. The deal seemed straightforward: he would continue to contribute to Flamengo’s successes, while the club would secure the services of a key player.
However, some eight months later, things began to take a troubling turn. Flamengo re-entered discussions with a surprisingly different proposal—one that suggested a mere one-year extension. This abrupt shift raised eyebrows and sparked concerns within Gabriel's camp. The sense was that Flamengo's intent had shifted; it appeared they were eager to see Gabriel depart rather than securing his long-term future.