Working on the historical heritage of Clube de Regatas do Flamengo can't be an easy task. Cataloging magazine and newspaper archives, caring for the trophies, preventing deterioration... But the arduous daily struggle has many rewarding moments. Like what happened last week to Antônio Resende, a club employee for 11 years.

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Responsible for maintaining the trophies displayed at the club's headquarters, he was given a mission: to bring the 1981 heroes and the Copa Libertadores da América trophy back together in a special program recorded by TV Globo. Carefully, wearing gloves to prevent damage to the trophy, he stood alongside Zico, Junior, and company—but always keeping a close eye on the trophy.

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"Leave that there, leave this cup with us! Are you jealous?" joked Quintino's Rooster, who was allowed by the caretaker of the red-black history to touch the cup with his hands.

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"It's not jealousy, but the responsibility is huge. I have to take care of it. We use gloves to help preserve it. I learned that a long time ago. It even prevents fingerprints from being left, which can stain the collection. Any trophy should be handled with gloves, but they can, right?" replied Antônio.

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Having worked in Gávea for eleven years, he has been responsible for cataloging and maintaining Flamengo's trophies, across all sports.

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"The work here is great. I've been doing this work since I arrived 11 years ago, and it's also very rewarding to be a part, even if just a little, of this club's history," he said.
 
But one of the most important trophies from his time with Flamengo doesn't live at the Gávea headquarters, but in his memory. And now, too, in a photo frame, which will show the day Antônio felt like a hero of Clube de Regatas do Flamengo alongside Mozer, Junior, Zico, Andrade, Adílio, and Nunes.

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"This photo will go down in history. I'll show it to the children and keep it with great care," observed Antônio, who can't wait to have another trophy to take care of: the 2010 Santander Libertadores Cup.

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"I hope she comes here again," he concluded.