Nicolás De La Cruz is a new Flamengo player. After six years at River, with 212 games played, 36 goals and 10 titles, the 26-year-old midfielder trained in Liverpool in Uruguay will continue his career in Brazilian football.
It had been known for a few days, but the officialization was missing, which arrived this Sunday. “The player Nicolás De La Cruz was transferred to Flamengo and will continue his career there. Thank you for giving everything in every game, Nico!” the Millionaire posted on his networks.
The Uruguayan footballer, an important player in the Uruguayan team led by Marcelo Bielsa, arrived in Núñez in August 2017 after his good performance in the U-20 World Cup held in South Korea in which La Celeste was a semi-finalist. Marcelo Gallardo had been following him.
He had to go through a period of adaptation, especially physically, but he ended up becoming a reference for the team and one of the great players in Argentine soccer, if not the best of all.
The player Nicolás De La Cruz was transferred to Flamengo and will continue his career there.
Thanks for giving everything in every game, Nico! ❤️🇺🇾 pic.twitter.com/3WCzedLQOE
— River Plate (@RiverPlate) December 24, 2023
At first, it was noticeable that he suffered in individual duels and had a hard time imposing his game. However, with the passage of time and enhanced by the trust that the Doll had in him, He gained an important place on the field and in the locker room.
“With Nico there is a sales commitment and whoever comes will surely take it. He is one of the best players in South American soccer. I hope they don’t come looking for him, but I doubt it,” he had said. Martin Demichelis after River’s elimination from the League Cup against Rosario Central. So it was.
“He has mixed characteristics, he can make you an offensive or defensive player,” Micho added at a press conference. Therein lies the great value of De La Cruz and, even more so, the regret of River fans for seeing his main figure escape.
Although he suffered recently with a complex injury to his right knee that forced him to undergo post-Qatar 2022 World Cup treatment and left him unable to do the preseason normally, he was a key player during much of his stay in Núñez. He will now take his great conditions to Brazil.
De La Cruz’s farewell letter
Dear River Plate family!
Today I want to express my deep gratitude to everyone who was part of my incredible journey at River Plate. It has been an honor to wear this shirt and represent this club that I love so much.
I want to share with you that I have made the decision to embark on a new path, but before leaving I want to thank the coaching staff, the props, the security, the managers who trusted me and my dear teammates. Thanks from my heart. Each of you has left an indelible mark on my experience.
To the fans, that inexhaustible engine of passion and dedication, I owe them a special thank you. Your unconditional support has been my great motivation in every game.
I close this stage with the certainty that River will always live in my heart. This club is and will always be my home and that of my family. Everyone, thank you for so much love!
We will meet again at some point. See you soon, River Plate!
#ThankYouRiver #AlwaysInMyHeart #VamosRiver
River’s farewell video for De La Cruz
De La Cruz’s 10 titles in River
- Argentine Cup 2016-17
- Argentine Super Cup 2017
- Argentine Cup 2018-19
- Copa Libertadores 2018
- South American Cup Winners’ Cup 2019
- Argentine Super Cup 2019
- Professional Football League 2021
- Champions Trophy 2021
- Professional Football League 2023
- Champions Trophy 2023
In addition, he won the Uruguayan second division title with Liverpool in the 2014-15 season and the U-20 Olympic Qualifiers with the Uruguayan national team in 2017.