Historical tribute
Evaristo de Macedo, Zagallo, Índio, Esquerdinha and Paulinho, all stars of the 50s, receive personalized shirts from the hands of President Bandeira de Mello
By Communication - Official Club Website - in
Evaristo de Macedo, Zagallo, Índio, Esquerdinha, and Paulinho are experienced and accustomed to intense emotions, but they all had tears in their eyes this Friday afternoon (August 16.08) on the field at the Gávea clubhouse. And it's no wonder. After all, the club honored the five Flamengo stars of the 50s. From President Bandeira de Mello, they received personalized official Flamengo jerseys and Nação Rubro-Negra jerseys.
"Today is a great day. Being here again in 2013 makes me see a movie in my head. In my time, the field was a little different, but the stands are the same. It's a happy moment. Being here with the three-time champions is great, because we've lived together for a long time. It's an exceptional day for all of us," said Zagallo.
The five honorees were all great stars of the club in the 50s and always honored the Sacred Mantle. But they made history mainly for being part of the squad that won Flamengo's first three-peat in the Maracanã Era, in 1953/54/55. At today's event, they were able to revisit eight trophies won by the Mais Querido during their playing days, and were especially moved to be together again.
"I hadn't seen them for many years. I don't even know how long, I think it was more than ten years. I missed them and it was a great joy to see my former teammates again. Seeing Esquerdinha here by my side is exciting," said Índio, who, at the end of his answer, looked at Velho Lobo and said: "Great Zagallo, my champion."
The event also featured the distinguished presence of idols Silva Batuta and Nunes, as well as some members and relatives of the honorees. Everyone in attendance was moved by the tribute, taking countless photos and getting autographs from the five legends of the Mais Querido's history. It was a beautiful celebration organized by the club's Historical Heritage.
"Flamengo's history is very rich, and we have living idols. Their time at the club marked their lives and also marked Flamengo's history. It's only fair that we interact with them. When these idols are here, they are honored and they also honor the club. I hope this is just one of the many tributes to come," said Bruno Lucena, the historian who conceived the event.
"Today is a great day. Being here again in 2013 makes me see a movie in my head. In my time, the field was a little different, but the stands are the same. It's a happy moment. Being here with the three-time champions is great, because we've lived together for a long time. It's an exceptional day for all of us," said Zagallo.
The five honorees were all great stars of the club in the 50s and always honored the Sacred Mantle. But they made history mainly for being part of the squad that won Flamengo's first three-peat in the Maracanã Era, in 1953/54/55. At today's event, they were able to revisit eight trophies won by the Mais Querido during their playing days, and were especially moved to be together again.
"I hadn't seen them for many years. I don't even know how long, I think it was more than ten years. I missed them and it was a great joy to see my former teammates again. Seeing Esquerdinha here by my side is exciting," said Índio, who, at the end of his answer, looked at Velho Lobo and said: "Great Zagallo, my champion."
The event also featured the distinguished presence of idols Silva Batuta and Nunes, as well as some members and relatives of the honorees. Everyone in attendance was moved by the tribute, taking countless photos and getting autographs from the five legends of the Mais Querido's history. It was a beautiful celebration organized by the club's Historical Heritage.
"Flamengo's history is very rich, and we have living idols. Their time at the club marked their lives and also marked Flamengo's history. It's only fair that we interact with them. When these idols are here, they are honored and they also honor the club. I hope this is just one of the many tributes to come," said Bruno Lucena, the historian who conceived the event.