Ex-Athletico values ​​the State final and reveals family drama

“A lot of people don’t give much importance to a State Championship. For me it’s like a Libertadores”, he told Itatiaia radio.

“My grandmother was hospitalized and I didn’t tell anyone about it. She was the one who raised me. She was discharged not long ago. She had also gone through a difficult time in Saudi. They were pulling a lot of shit on me and my family. Then Galo opened the doors for me. A lot of people closed them. Many people didn’t know the truth. Galo, together with the management, they went to my house, to give me this opportunity” declared Renan Lodi, who cried a lot as he left the field.

Last year, Lodi fled Saudi Arabia as if it were a scene from a movie after going to court. He unilaterally requested to terminate his contract with Al-Hilal after not being registered for this season’s Saudi League. The tournament allows the registration of up to ten foreigners, two of whom must be under 23 years of age. With this, the Brazilian would be able to only play in the Asian Champions League, which has no restrictions.

The termination was granted based on article 15 of the FIFA Transfer Regulations, which authorizes the end of the contract if the player does not play at least 10% of the season’s official matches.

During the period without acting, Renan Lodi made an agreement and trained at CT do Caju to maintain his physical shape. However, he did not receive any offers from Furacão and reached an agreement with Atlético Mineiro, with the contract lasting until the end of 2030. This season, the left-back has played 11 games, with two goals and one assist.

“I’m very honored to be able to represent Galo. At this moment when I suffered the most with my family, my son being born. We didn’t do anything wrong to do what they did to us. But I’m very happy to have made it to the final, and my little voice leaving the hospital. I was very worried. Many times we don’t talk much, I was strong, I held myself together. Thank God, on a professional level, Galo opened the doors and my little voice is at home today and is fine”, added Lodi.

Final of the Minas Gerais Championship is a unique game with divided fans

The decision between Atlético Mineiro and Cruzeiro, who are fighting for the 2026 Campeonato Mineiro title, will take place next Sunday (8), at 6pm, at Mineirão. The stadium will have an equal division of fans, with 50% of the audience capacity for each crowd.

Galo broke the record and reached the 20th consecutive final, being the current six-time champion. Raposa, led by Tite, is trying to win the State Championship again, something it hasn’t done since 2019.

“It’s going to be a very beautiful final. In my case, it’s the fans’ first 50/50 final. I hope it will be a very beautiful final, and I hope that together we can win this title and pay homage to my little voice”, added Renan Lodi.