HULK has threatened to QUIT Atletico Mineiro over “unacceptable” fan criticism after he is slammed for poor performances.
Mineiro won the Brazilian Serie A last season WITH Hulk and Diego Costa in their ranks.
But a poor 2022 campaign has Mineiro 20 points off top spot.
Mineiro lost to league leaders Palmeiras 1-0 on Thursday thanks to a goal by defender Murilo Cerqueira.
And with fans fuming over the team’s form, ex-Brazil star Hulk, 36, has threatened to QUIT due to the “unacceptable” criticism.
He said, according to ESPN: “We try, we seek, we give our best, we created a lot, there was a very high intensity, especially in the first half.
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“And the ball didn’t go in. If a ball from me or Keno had gone in, the game would be another story But football is like that, when you don’t win games, mistrust is natural.
“When Palmeiras players are in first, any move from Palmeiras will give more confidence.”
Hulk continued: “But the experience you have, distrust will happen, but you cannot give up.
“As long as we have the chance to fight, fight, we will do our best.
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“I, for example, did not imagine playing the 90 minutes today, coming from a calf injury is very difficult, but I managed to play.
“I made a lot of mistakes, but trying to help.
“I have a lot of respect for the Rooster and the fans, but if you think this isn’t intensity, just say it, and I’ll ask you to leave.
“I’m doing my best. Saying that there’s a lack of will is unacceptable.”
Should Hulk quit, whether he decides to carry on playing in Brazil or move elsewhere is yet to be seen.
The “bodybuilder footballer”, who led Mineiro to their first title in 50 years last season, claimed he nearly joined Tottenham in 2020 before visa issues scuppered the deal.
The former Shanghai SIGP striker said: “There was a score with some criteria to be played in England.
“Having recent call-ups by the Brazilian national team, and having played in some of the top five leagues in the world: Italy, Spain, Germany, England or France were some of them.
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“I spent a good amount of time in China and consequently outside the national team’s call-ups. Lawyers even tried a special license, but it was not possible.”
Or, Hulk could settle in the retired life with his ex-wife’s younger niece and their newborn child.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
