Stars who honored Flamengo's jersey call on fans to fill Morumbi Stadium and help the team stay alive in the Brasileirão

Bernardo Besouchet

Lancepress - RIO DE JANEIRO

There can be no prosperous future without a proud past. In this context, references to Flamengo's past reappear to swell the chorus of fans mobilizing toward Morumbi Stadium, where Flamengo and São Paulo will take a crucial step toward their Brasileirão aspirations on Sunday.

From idols of Flamengo's most glorious generation to stars emerging from the youth ranks, everyone has one thing in common: the red-and-black fans are a spectacle in themselves.

"Flamengo is great because of them. They've always made a difference and will do so again," said Zico, the fans' biggest idol.

Ronaldo still doesn't know what it's like to play for Flamengo in a packed Maracanã, but as a true Flamengo fan, raised in Bento Ribeiro, in the North Zone of Rio de Janeiro, he knows the power of the fans well.

- They know exactly what to do to support Flamengo - said the Phenomenon, who continues his daily training in two shifts wearing the red and black shirt.

Even left-back Leonardo praised the strength provided by the die-hard Flamengo fans. The curious detail of Leonardo's career is that the two teams he played for in Brazil were Flamengo and São Paulo.

"It's a fan base that really influences. They will be vital in this desperately needed surge," said the former full-back, who currently serves on Milan's board.

While some are showing sympathy and measuring their statements, Júnior Baiano, sincere as always, gives his opinion:

"Flamengo is unbeatable with its fans on its side. There's no way to beat the team without them on its side."