Jorge Jesus confirms he has signed new contract with Flamengo

Portuguese manager Jorge Mendes has confirmed through his official Instagram account that he has extended his contract with Brazilian champions Flamengo for another 12 months.

“My representatives reached an agreement today with Flamengo’s board of directors to renew my contract for another year,” The former Benfica boss wrote on the social media platform on Wednesday.

“My friendly relations with the entire squad, club structure and Flamengo’s fans were decisive to touch my heart and spoke louder in my decision. Thank you all for your kindness and support.”

Mendes was the subject of interest from the likes of Newcastle United and Chelsea last summer, but he opted to snub their advances to join Flamengo, who were at the midway stage of their league campaign.

The 65-year-old guided the Rio de Janeiro-based club to a historic Serie A and Copa Libertadores double in November and they gave a good account for themselves in the Club World Cup in Qatar, where they were eyeing an unprecedented treble.

Jesus’ side stood resilient against the challenge presented by runaway Premier League leaders Liverpool in the final, but they were eventually beaten in added extra-time after the solitary goal from Robert Firmino in the 99th minute.

Flamengo have since added another trophy to their cabinet with a 3-0 win over Athletico Paranese in the Brazilian Super Cup earlier this year and they will be aiming for more silverware success under Jesus, who has now extended his contract beyond June 2020.

The 2020 Brazilian top-flight season was expected to start during the middle of April, but the campaign has been indefinitely postponed with the ongoing health concerns associated with the coronavirus pandemic.

Stats from Transfermarkt.com