Rio de Janeiro, Nov 26 (IANS) Flamengo’s Portuguese manager Jorge Jesus has received honorary citizenship of Rio de Janeiro after his team secured the Copa Libertadores and Brazilian Serie A titles in less than 24 hours.
Flamengo defeated Argentina’s River Plate 2-1 in the Copa Libertadores final on Saturday and became Brazil’s top flight champions on Sunday when Gremio’s defeat of Palmeiras gave the Rio de Janeiro side an unassailable lead with four games remaining.
Jesus, 65, was presented with the rare honor during a ceremony at Rio’s city hall on Monday, reports Xinhua news agency.
“I’m thankful for the opportunity Flamengo has given me,” the former Sporting Lisbon and Benfica boss said during an emotional speech.
Flamengo are unbeaten in their past 26 matches across all competitions under Jesus, who took charge of the club in June.
Their Copa Libertadores triumph means they will be South America’s representatives at the FIFA Club World Cup in Qatar next month.
–IANS
kk/prs