Fans promise to turn out in droves against São Paulo

The board expects the ten thousand tickets for Flamengo fans to be sold (Credit: Paulo Sérgio)

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The number 12 jersey was retired in honor of the fans. And it will be precisely the fans who will be the long-awaited reinforcements for Flamengo's players and management in Sunday's match against São Paulo at Morumbi Stadium in the Brazilian Championship.

Whether traveling by bus caravan with fan factions, by plane, or even on conventional bus lines, anything goes to Morumbi Stadium to support the Red-Blacks against the other five-time Brazilian champion, who, like Flamengo, is fighting to establish themselves in the top four of the competition.

That's why everyone at the club has already embraced the "Wherever I am, I will be" campaign. For right-back Léo Moura, the campaign's name is perfect because there's no shortage of examples of the red-and-blacks' support far from Rio de Janeiro. Léo cited the last game, against Figueirense, as a model.

"They sang so much, and that cheers us on. To tell you the truth, the strength of our fans doesn't surprise me anymore. That part of the song that says "wherever you are, I'll be" is perfect because it's the pure truth," he said.

In São Paulo, it's safe to say that all tickets reserved for Flamengo fans will be sold. The club's vice president of football, Kléber Leite, another supporter of the campaign, points out that Flamengo has the fifth-largest fan base in São Paulo.

"An example of this strength was having more fans than Portuguesa at Canindé Stadium. But what I really hope is that the fans will have the same sensitivity they had in 2007, when they were loyal and supported the team. There were no protests, no insults. They were patient, they stood by us, and everyone won," he said.

So far, approximately 11 buses will depart from Rio, organized by two fan factions. Those who wish to organize themselves can travel by plane, bus, or car. There will be approximately ten thousand tickets allocated to Flamengo fans, and depending on demand, this number may increase. On the social networking site Orkut, countless Flamengo fans are organizing to fill Morumbi Stadium and show their support for this match, which is considered a final.

"The fans can make a difference. If we win there, we'll find the Maracanã packed for practically every game yet to come. It's time for unity," said Léo Moura.

Despite having recently arrived at Flamengo, striker Vandinho has already noticed the unique behavior of Flamengo fans. He knows he won't be a majority at Morumbi Stadium, but he expects plenty of noise from the fans who make it to São Paulo.

"It's a different situation for me. I've never played for a club with so many fans. And you feel it on the field; they really push you. I hope the red-and-blacks of São Paulo make some noise," he said.

Now it's time to live the lyrics of the song: "I will always love you. Wherever you are, I will be."

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