Fans skip work to welcome Flamengo with chants of 'three-time champions' in Ceará.

Cahê Mota Direct from Fortaleza

GloboEsporte.com

The reception for the Flamengo fans was warm.

Compared to the receptions in Campo Grande and Belém for this year's Copa do Brasil, Flamengo's arrival in Fortaleza on Tuesday attracted the smallest crowd. But that doesn't mean the people of Ceará were any less enthusiastic. The Rubro-Negro (Flamengo) faces the Tricolor de Aço (Fortaleza) this Wednesday in the round of 16 of the competition. Making good use of the famous "Brazilian way," about one hundred Flamengo fans, according to estimates by the Military Police, set aside their commitments early this afternoon and went to Pinto Martins International Airport to welcome Flamengo. The delegation arrived at the airport around 12:30 pm, and as soon as Léo Moura led the way to the arrivals area, the shouts began: "Three-time champion!" Ronaldo Angelim, an idol of both rivals this Wednesday, was the most sought after. The defender, who was born in São Paulo but moved to Ceará as a child, had to be escorted by security guards to reach the team bus. A hero of the championship victory on Sunday against Botafogo, Bruno took advantage of the celebration surrounding his teammate to slip away quietly.

Even before the arrival of the Flamengo players, the number 4 jersey was already being revered with shouts of "Ah, it's Angelim!" - "There's only one Ronaldo: Angelim. Nobody cares about the Phenomenon," joked a fan who preferred to be identified only as Leleco. He explained the reason himself - "I'm skipping work and college to be here." After Ronaldo Angelim boarded the bus, the focus shifted to coach Cuca: - "Ney Franco is the runner-up, Cuca. You're the champion!" shouted a fan. Already staying at a hotel on Praia do Futuro, the Flamengo squad will train at 16:30 PM at the Presidente Vargas stadium.