In a recent interview with Romário TV, Hulk denied any bad blood between him and Atlético-MG. He stated that he has respect and gratitude for the club, and that the relationship between him and the team is mutual. "I don't have any grudge," Hulk said. "I think everything is as it should be. I don't regret what I did. I don't know how someone thinks I have something against the Galo and vice versa. There's respect and gratitude from all sides." He also praised the club, saying that "Atlético is much bigger than Hulk" and that he has respect and gratitude for everything.
Hulk's departure from Atlético-MG was a contentious issue, with the player having a proposed contract extension that he felt was an attempt to "retire" him after the end of his current contract. However, he revealed that he had a positive conversation with coach Eduardo Domínguez before leaving the club. "One of the things that left me calm was that the people from the daily routine wanted me to continue," Hulk said. "The own Barba, when I talked to him, said he wanted to count on me."