The club has a project to honor great players and cover the cost of completing the training center. On the other side of the deal, Adriano receives a miniature

Eduardo Peixoto Rio de Janeiro

GloboEsporte.com

Flamengo fans staring at that empty bedroom shelf, waiting for club souvenirs, can start polishing it and increasing their space. GLOBOESPORTE.COM reveals that Flamengo has a project in the works that would encompass the present, past, and future with a collection of "mini-stars" and an Adriano doll. The idea of ​​honoring great idols came from former vice president of finance, José Carlos Dias, and was well received by the club's marketing department. Talks began at the end of July, but contractual adjustments are still needed for the theory to become practice. "We're still in the early stages of negotiations. It's the beginning of a project to honor former idols," said Rubro-Negro's marketing director, Ricardo Heinrichsen. Initially, 30 players from the 70s onward were to be immortalized in the small dolls. But the number dropped to 22. Two teams, from goalkeeper to left winger, and many names guaranteed. The 1981 World Cup-winning generation will have many representatives. Raul, Mozer, Adílio, Andrade, Leandro, Júnior, Nunes... and Zico. "Of course Zico will be there. It wouldn't make sense if he wasn't. But we need to sit down and talk to him," said the creator of the idea.

Zé Carlos will be the only deceased player on the list. From the current team, Petkovic heard the proposal and liked it. Julio César would be included, but there's an image rights agreement with Inter Milan that prevents him from participating. Romário, despite his 204 goals, was ruled out. "He's met with a lot of internal rejection," said José Carlos Dias. "Each figure would cost a maximum of R$20. And the second stage involves sponsor integration. The club is studying with Olympikus the possibility of giving a jersey autographed by the 21 idols—except Zé Carlos—to whoever completes the collection. Another suggestion is to integrate the Ale gas station chain into the distribution and sales of the products. Another attractive aspect of the promotion would be the allocation of the proceeds. Half of the royalties would go to the players, and the remainder, looking to the future, would be invested in the Ninho do Urubu Training Center." "The idea is to restore some of the respect we owe our idols." "Anyone who isn't prepared to respect those who shaped Flamengo's history shouldn't be a manager. We want to restore its history and help athletes in need," explained José Carlos Dias. On Thursday night, Adílio and Julio Cesar Uri Geller, representatives of Flamengo's masters team, held a meeting to finalize the project. According to the schedule, the mini-stars would be launched and in stores before Christmas. "It's such a tribute. I'm touched by it. On my figure, the only thing I won't give up is the number 8 shirt (laughs)," said Adílio. On the other hand \ Targeting another fan group, Flamengo is also preparing to launch an Adriano figurine. The club is in advanced talks with the same company that manufactured the miniature of the player at Inter Milan. The collector's item, the Emperor, will cost around R$100.\