The delegation disembarks in the early hours of the morning, and the Emperor is celebrated by Flamengo fans with laurel wreaths on their heads.

Eduardo Peixoto - Globoesporte.com

- Direct from Recife

Adriano disappears among the fans

It was almost 1 a.m. on Saturday, and Henrique, just eight years old, wasn't complaining about being sleepy. In the lobby of Guararapes Airport in Recife, he had a mission to fulfill: welcome Adriano on his first trip since returning to Flamengo.

Beside him, a hundred other people had the same idea. Almost all of them wore golden laurel wreaths on their heads and shouted "The Emperor has returned." Quickly, and escorted by security guards and military police, the attacker passed through a human corridor until he reached the bus.

Flamengo fans with laurels on their heads celebrate the arrival of Adriano and the red-black delegation at Guararapes Airport, in Recife

From the window, he waved, smiled, and delighted those who stayed up late to see him. The center forward's magnetism was so strong that other players, like Ibson and Toró, walked calmly to the vehicle without anyone stopping them. The red-and-black delegation continued to a hotel on Boa Viagem beach, had a quick snack, and then headed to their rooms.

From inside the bus, Adriano waves to Flamengo fans

Flamengo faces Sport this Sunday at 16 p.m. (Brasília time) at Ilha do Retiro. GLOBOESPORTE.COM will be covering the match in real time with videos. Globo TV and Rádio Globo will broadcast to Rio de Janeiro.