IT'S OURS! Yago Mateus is the new FlaBasquete player

Brazilian National Team point guard signs with the Most Beloved for the Resumption of the Americas

By Victor Cachoeira - in 14/07/2020 às 09:08

Point guard Yago Mateus, 21, is Flamengo's new player. A member of the Brazilian national team, the youngster is one of the standouts in Brazilian basketball, arriving at the Mais Querido after a stint with Paulistano. With the São Paulo team, Mengão's new number 2 was the 17/18 NBB champion. Wearing the yellow jersey, the star was the MVP of the South American Under-21 title against Argentina and was part of the squad that competed in the last World Cup.

In his first words as a red-black player, the little monster showed excitement about wearing the Sacred Mantle.

"Without a doubt, representing Flamengo will be very special. It's a huge club, with a passionate fan base that embraces the basketball team and always plays together. It's a club with a storied history in Brazil and around the world. Many people I admire are at Flamengo, and I'll be able to spend time with them again, work together every day. It will be a privilege. Wearing this jersey will be a different feeling. I want to take this opportunity to express my gratitude and affection for Paulistano, the club that launched me, that allowed me to dream and achieve many dreams, win titles, reach the Brazilian national team, and helped shape me into the player I am today. I will carry CAP with me forever, now as a rival, but always with all due respect," he said.

Now able to play alongside the Biggest Fanbase in the World, the point guard was full of praise.

"It's a passionate crowd, who understands basketball, who supports me all the time. For years I was a rival, I faced Flamengo, and now I'll have them by my side, cheering for me. I'm looking forward to seeing the fans chanting my name... It's going to be wonderful. I'm sure many good things will happen."

In the latest edition of Novo Basquete Brasil, the point guard averaged 16 points, 3 rebounds, and 5 assists per game. About to embark on a new career path, Yago expressed confidence in playing for the country's biggest club.

"Expectations are huge, I'm very motivated to help the club compete for every title. Being able to come to Flamengo and experience this will be huge. The team is having excellent seasons, I'm also improving, having good seasons, and I think it has everything to be a perfect combination. I will always give my best," he said.

The Mais Querido's No. 1 position will be well served. Besides the monster, Argentine Franco Balbi, a fan favorite, will also be an option for coach Gustavo De Conti. Having been able to absorb all the wizard's experience, the new Flamengo reinforcement didn't mince words when describing the No. 6.

"Balbi is a player I've admired since my first contact with him. I respect him a lot, and I know he respects me too. We always talk, and having him by my side, teaching me, sharing knowledge and experience, will be a privilege. He will help me evolve and continue to improve my level."

Finally, Yago Mateus left his exclusive message for the Red-Black Nation!

"Hello, 'Nation'! It took a while, but I'm arriving and I'm very happy. I'm counting the days... Soon, the 'Little Monster' will wear the 'Mantle'", he celebrated.

Yago is the second confirmed signing for Mengão. Alongside him, Argentine Chuzito González has also arrived and will be part of the Retomada das Américas (Return of the Americas) alongside Marquinhos, Olivinha, Franco Balbi, Leo Demetrio, Rafael Mineiro, Jhonatan Luz, and Pedro Nunes, who are under contract.

The basketball teams of Clube de Regatas do Flamengo rely on resources from their sponsors – BRB, TIM, AmBev, Rede D'or, IRB Brasil RE, CSN, Brasil Plural, EY – via the Federal Incentive Law/Ministry of Sports (IR) and State Incentive Law/State Secretariat of Sports, Leisure and Youth (Seelje) of Rio de Janeiro, in addition to support from the Brazilian Club Committee (CBC).