Antônio Nunes, better known as Lico, was a two-time Brazilian, Libertadores, and World Cup champion with Flamengo. The former left winger for Flamengo was part of, according to him, the greatest team in football history. Living in his hometown of Imbituba, Santa Catarina, Lico celebrated the Rio de Janeiro club's sixth championship and, especially, the success of his former teammate and friend, Andrade.

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"My biggest support was for Andrade, who is a great person, a serious and honest teammate. He turned around the team, especially players who were going through a difficult time, like Zé Roberto and Aírton, who were missed more than they played. Andrade gave Flamengo a style of football, touched the hearts of the players, who respect him. He won a title no one expected. He showed that you don't need to wear a suit and tie or shout like a madman on the sidelines. He showed that sometimes, a quiet word is much more interesting. "Tromba" has put a lot of coaches in his pocket in this Brazilian Championship."

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Lico confesses that the life of a fan is much easier than that of a player - the greatest suffering is for those on the field.

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"I didn't suffer with the Flamengo game. I don't have to suffer in football anymore; it's no longer the unhealthy feeling I had as a player. The player suffers more because he's representing a passion. As a fan, I'm calm, and my daughters suffer more than I do. I tend to watch the game calmly, see who truly deserves to win.

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And with this "cold look", leaving the fans aside, the former player states with the certainty of someone who has lived football that Flamengo deserved to be champion and that there was no way the trophy could go to any place other than Gávea.

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- You could tell the Flamengo players were anxious, but it was clear that a comeback was only a matter of time. The team earned it, and the fans did what they always do: push. Grêmio had nothing to lose, so they were feeling more relaxed. Flamengo started out defending from deep, but quickly took over the entire field.

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Angelim deserved to score the winning goal. He's a defender who always maintains his level of performance. I don't see anyone better in Brazil than him. Williams is also a great player; he supports and defends like few others. And Adriano and Petkovic made the difference and broke the deadlock.

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Today, Lico lives with his wife of 31 years, Simone, and they have three daughters: Mônica, Mariana, and Marina. The former player has a friends' association in the city, where he volunteers as a soccer coach for boys aged 9 to 14, the Paes Leme Soccer Association. Twice a week, he travels to Florianópolis to coordinate and guide boys on a synthetic turf field at the Lico Esporte Center.

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With the experience he has gained since he started playing in the youth divisions in Santa Catarina, the former winger hopes to one day be able to return to work at Flamengo.

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"I dream of working in the club's youth academy. I want to contribute my experience. Although I see this dream as a distant dream, I hope that someday they'll remember me."

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Unforgettable moments at Flamengo
Before joining Flamengo, Lico played for Grêmio and Santa Catarina, where he won three state titles. At Flamengo, his most significant achievements were the 1982 and 1983 Brazilian Championships, and the 1981 Copa Libertadores and World Cup.

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"It was a dream. There were so many achievements, and they gave me the opportunity to go there, even though I already had some experience. Our group was a big family, made up of stars, from Raul to Zico. Not to detract from Pelé's Santos, but that was the greatest team I've ever seen in the history of soccer, marking the sport's global trajectory. Everyone respected the fans and the jersey: there was no slacking off or fighting. We don't have much contact, mainly because of the distance. But I have enormous and eternal affection and respect for everyone. Whenever I can, I see them.

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Another historic moment at Gávea in 81 occurred on November 8, when Flamengo overcame Botafogo's 6-0 deficit. Lico scored the third goal in the victory.

- This was a special game. It was a score that was stuck in the fans' throats. But I only found out about it at halftime, and the fans were clamoring for it. It had to be that day, because Botafogo was dead.

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In 1984, the worst and final moment of the winger's career arrived. Due to a series of knee surgeries, the player was forced to end his career to avoid more serious problems in the future.

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"Ceasing to play due to injury was a huge blow, as I was in a spectacular moment. After undergoing two surgeries, and after the third, the doctor told me I had to stop... It took me a while to accept it; only time heals this wound. And I know I could have gone further; it was incredibly painful. But I prefer not to dwell on that ending. Today, I'm a happy man and have a wonderful family.

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Lico expresses confidence in Flamengo's future. The former athlete welcomed the election of president Patrícia Amorim and believes the team will remain on track for titles if it maintains its current roster.

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"Patrícia Amorim has shown that she has a plan, that she's an intelligent person, with the ability to manage beyond passion. She'll put an end to certain prejudices against women. I sensed her ability and organization. And there's no better team than Flamengo in Brazil. If they maintain their core, they'll be seeking even more titles next year."