Next week, the basketball team of Clube de Regatas do Flamengo, the "Pride of the Nation," will begin announcing its roster for the 2016/17 season. However, before that, we feel obligated to pay tribute to the great Flamengo warrior George Chaia, our Gegê, who will no longer be with us at this time.
In 2010, Gegê played for our club for the first time, winning the Primeira Liga de Desenvolvimento (LDB). He returned in the 2012/13 season, having won no less than eleven more titles since then – four Rio de Janeiro state championships, another LDB, four NBB titles, a Liga das Américas, and a World Championship (Intercontinental Cup). Gegê is part of a select group of just four players (Marcelinho, Marquinhos, and Olivinha are the other three) who have participated in the NBB's fourth consecutive championship.
Gegê, a Flamengo fan from the stands, today, at 25, has matured as a point guard and athlete. We are convinced that this great Flamengo fan will have the prominence he deserves in his new challenges. The nation will deeply miss his grit and dedication on the court, defending the Sacred Mantle. Your hand, which always made a point of carrying that Flamengo flag at the team's entrance for every final game in which you shone—from the Rio de Janeiro championships to the pinnacle of winning the World Cup—will be sorely missed.
Rest assured that you've left your mark on Flamengo's beautiful recent basketball history, helping to build the "Pride of the Nation" brand. However, there are times when rationality must prevail over emotion, for the good of those who truly love each other. Your next club will certainly welcome a great player, fully prepared for even greater heights.
Dear Gegê, we're convinced that this new phase of your successful career will be just a "see you soon" moment, awaiting your eventual return home. Play, rock, and we'll all be here rooting for your success.
Simply, great "champion of everything", our many thanks.
Red-black greetings,
Alexandre Póvoa
Vice President of Olympic Sports