体坛英语新闻：Flamengo soccer player threatens to leave due to lack of payment

RIO DE JANEIRO, Jan. 27 (Xinhua) -- The forward for the Flamengo soccer team, Marcelinho Paraiba, declared on Tuesday that he is considering leaving the club due to delayed salary payments.

    The player has not been shy when it comes to showing his lack of patience with the team's administration. Paraiba's agent planned to meet with the club's directors on Tuesday to define the athlete's future with the team.

    "There is a good possibility that I will leave Flamengo. However, we need to discuss matters first to determine what has to be done. My intention is to help the team. I have always helped the team to win.

    "When I am on the field, I try to forget about everything else.But, sometimes my concentration is thrown off by my worries. I tryto give it my best, but my mind is not at peace. Fans may call me a mercenary, but I have a family to look after," Paraiba said.

    The forward also pointed out that he has always been a professional, on and off the field, fulfilling all of his obligations. For this reason, he is demanding that Flamengo do thesame and finally pay the player his backed up pay checks. Paraiba also admitted that the inner problems with the team have helped to fuel his performance on the field.

    His fellow teammate, fullback Leandro Moura, pledged his support to Paraiba. Moura, who has appeared as a member of the Brazilian national soccer team, hopes that the financial problem is resolved between the player and the club and that Paraiba will stay on board with Flamengo.

    Flamengo has told that player that he will be paid within 15 days. Should the deadline pass, Paraiba's exit will be eminent. Two other Brazilian teams have already demonstrated a serious interest in the athlete. Both Gremio and Cruzeiro have attempted to reach the forward with the intent on bringing him to their respective team.