In addition to a bust, he won a medal for each title as a coach.

Carlinhos receives a bust and medals from Flamengo. The ceremony took place in Gávea (Photo: Paulo Sérgio)

Rodrigo Benchimol

Lancets

Former Flamengo player and coach Carlinhos was honored Friday night in Gávea. He received a bronze bust and seven commemorative medals, one for each title won as Flamengo coach – he is the most successful player in history, alongside Flávio Costa.

"I'm very grateful for this; it's like witnessing what I did for the greatest club in the world. It's a unique feeling; I'm speechless. Everyone wants to be recognized for their work, no matter the field, but I didn't expect this," declared the 'Violin' during the ceremony.

One of the ten players who wore the Flamengo shirt the most - he played 512 matches -, Carlinhos, as coach, won the State Championships in 1991, 1999 and 2000; the Brazilian Championships in 1983, 1987 and 1992; and the Mercosul Cup in 1999.

Quite emotional, he preferred not to mention names of who, besides himself, should be honored.

"I'm the first, right? What can I say? I'm very flattered; being chosen among so many others makes me very happy. Many people at Flamengo deserve to be honored, but I'd rather not say anything, because I'll end up forgetting," said Carlinhos.

The idea for the bust came from Flamengo's Fiscal Council, but all of the club's leadership was represented at the ceremony, including Flamengo president Márcio Braga. When asked if he thought the representation resembled him, the former coach and player joked.

"It doesn't look very similar, but I'll have to get used to it," Carlinhos said, laughing. The bust still has a designated location, but the honoree said he has no preference as to where it will be placed.