From Cascão to Pé de Deus, Coloneze has been through a lot at Flamengo. The number 45 has been at Gávea since 2006, is the longest-tenured player in the current squad, and has experienced moments of great success and also many difficulties with the red-and-black jersey. He was a starter, won state championships, was eliminated from national championships, won the club's first Brazilian championship, became a reserve, was a hero in a South American title... And, at the start of this season, he's already thinking about having another unforgettable year with Flamengo.

Coloneze began his career at Tijuca Tênis Clube, went to the United States early on to play for college teams, and then returned to Brazil, where he played for many clubs before arriving at Flamengo to compete in the 2006 State Championship. Since then, he has been at Gávea and witnessed the genesis of the group that is now four-time Carioca champion, two-time Brazilian champion, and South American champion.

From his four years at Flamengo, Coloneze, a self-proclaimed fan of the club, has two defining moments: winning the club's first national basketball title in 2008, as a starter, and the 2009 South American League final, when he stole a ball with his foot in the final seconds of the match against Quimsa in Argentina. His participation was crucial in the decisive possession of the game, which gave Mengão another title.

So, on the eve of his return to the city where he helped Flamengo win the South American title, Coloneze has only fond memories of the land of the "hermanos." In this exclusive chat with Flamengo's Official Website, the player spoke about his passion for the club, the strength of the group, and the most memorable moments he experienced with the Manto Sagrado. The center knows he has a great opportunity to prove his worth this season.

Decision

"There are two unforgettable moments from that year. That steal with my foot, and also the last rebound of the game, which I grabbed, and then threw the ball up in the air. It was incredible. One of the most important moments of my career, without a doubt."

Memories

"The memories of Santiago del Estero are the best possible, not just for me, but for the whole group. Now it's a different situation, it's not a final. We're going there to fight for a spot in the next round, but we're treating each match like a final. We're sure it will be difficult, but the group is used to the pressure. We've trained hard, we're strong, and we know what we have to do to get results. We have two important absences, but we're aware that we'll have to overcome all the difficulties to win this second championship."

Striking Title

"That South American and the 2008 National Championship, which was also a remarkable achievement. It was Flamengo's first major title, a good part of that team is still here and everyone remembers the victory well, because that's when we became part of Flamengo's history. It was the club's first national title, no small feat."

Group

"We have a very strong group. It's difficult to compare one year to the next, but I believe the club is always improving. Since 2006, when I arrived, each year the expectation has been for better results, and this season is no different. Our goal is to win this third national championship, the second South American title, and the unprecedented title of the League of the Americas. Why not? It's possible, and we'll do our best to achieve it."

Fanatic

"Without a doubt, it's completely different to be a champion with the team you support. I've never hidden my passion for Flamengo, and I believe this is another distinguishing feature of our team. There are many players who identify with the fans, and that helps a lot. You end up giving even more of yourself on the court."

cheering

"There's nothing to say about Flamengo's fans, other than lots of praise. They're our sixth player, and everyone knows that. It's very difficult to beat Flamengo when they're embraced by their fans, in any sport. They throw a different party, put on a real show, and follow us everywhere. Even in Argentina, in last year's South American Championship, there were Flamengo fans. That makes a big difference."

Preparation

"To match a South American League in Argentina, with a packed stadium, is difficult. That's why we haven't had any games at this level to prepare, but I believe the team is well prepared. We have an experienced team that knows what to do, that has faced some strong opponents, like Londrina and Minas, we played a tournament in Angola, and I believe we are ready for this new challenge."

Garrafao

"We were Brazilian champions last year without Baby, with the centers we had in the squad—me, Alírio, Wagner, and Maicon. I believe we have the ability to do our pivot work well. We're experienced players, accustomed to pressure, we've won many titles. I've been at Flamengo since 2006, and I know we can help the team a lot. Without a doubt, Baby is a great player; he became a friend, but now he's no longer with us. He used to help a lot, but now he's elsewhere. I hope he's happy there, but if we play against him, we'll want to beat him and life goes on."