RIO DE JANEIRO, March 4 (Xinhua) -- Filipe Luis said he leaves Flamengo with no regrets after the club dismissed him as head coach on Tuesday.
The former Brazil international posted a message on Instagram thanking the club's board, players and supporters after his departure.
"I leave at peace, with my head held high and with a clear conscience," the 40-year-old wrote in a social media post.
"I thank the board for giving me the opportunity to experience such a successful cycle and I will always be grateful for the trust I was given to build such a remarkable journey."
The announcement came three months after Filipe guided the Rio de Janeiro club to the Copa Libertadores title and Brazilian league crown.
He led Flamengo to 63 wins, 21 draws and 16 defeats while securing five trophies during his 17 months in charge.
Despite those achievements, the former Atletico Madrid and Chelsea defender was under pressure after a poor start to the 2026 season.
Flamengo lost the Supercopa do Brasil 2-0 to Corinthians and was beaten in both legs of the Recopa Sudamericana by Lanus. The club is 11th in Brazil's 20-team Serie A standings with four points from the first three games of the season.
"To the players, my eternal respect. You are giants," he said. "You are men of character, dedicated professionals, champions on and off the field. None of what we achieved would have been possible without the commitment and unity of each of you.
"And to the supporters... you are the soul of all this. You pushed us, demanded more, celebrated, suffered and believed. We were champions together! I will carry in my heart every chant, every applause and even every criticism, because it was all part of this journey."
Flamengo issued a statement confirming Filipe's departure just hours after the club reached the Rio de Janeiro state championship final with an 8-0 win over Madureira.
"Flamengo thanks former player and coach Filipe Luis for everything he has achieved and shared during his time with the club," it said. "The club wishes him success and good luck in his future professional endeavors."
Local media reported that Portuguese manager Leonardo Jardim was among the favorites to assume the vacant position. ■
