"I was born a Flamengo fan. And I'll always love you. Whether it wins or loses, I'll sing." The lyrics of one of the songs sung by the Flamengo fans truly capture the feeling of being a fan of the country's most popular club. And, regardless of the results or the current form, more than three thousand fans flocked to Fundição Progresso in Lapa, Rio de Janeiro, to celebrate the 116th anniversary of Brazil's most beloved club. The evening's program featured plenty of samba and love for the red and black.

\

Big names in Brazilian music were in attendance, including Arlindo Cruz, Diogo Nogueira, Neguinho da Beija-Flor, Moacyr Luz, and others. Representing the club, president Patricia Amorim thanked everyone for their attendance and shared what it's like to be a red-and-black fan.

\

"We're celebrating this date, and it's important to immortalize these moments. We seek to keep this passion for Flamengo alive. We're not just celebrating with goals. We're celebrating what Flamengo represents to each of us. We're confident of qualifying for the Libertadores, and we won't be discouraged. I hope to see the fans as happy as they are here today," said the director.

\

Accustomed to the emotions of the greatest show on earth, Neguinho da Beija-Flor reaffirmed his love for Flamengo and recalled that the Nation immortalized one of his greatest hits, the samba 'Sunday I'm going to Maracanã'.

\

"I'm a Flamengo fan until I die. It's an immense joy to be here, celebrating another year with the club. Flamengo has brought me a lot of joy, and if I had to highlight one, it would be the 1980 Brazilian Championship. We won that championship with a goal from Nunes, and it was in that game that the samba 'I'm going to Maracanã on Sunday' exploded around the world," he said, revealing that he is still amazed by the size of the Flamengo fan base.

\

"I've met Flamengo fans everywhere I've been, even in Japan. Flamengo really is everywhere, because it represents everyone. From the richest to the poorest," he concluded.

\

The celebrations will continue this Tuesday (15.11), with a series of events at Gávea, the club's social headquarters. Check out the day's agenda here!