He's only 1,69'23", but on the field, he's a giant. A player with immense grit and determination in midfield, at 114, Toró already has a résumé that would make many more experienced players envious. He's a Copa do Brasil champion, a three-time Rio de Janeiro champion, has played in two Copa Libertadores da América titles, and has already written his name throughout the nearly XNUMX-year history of Clube de Regatas do Flamengo.

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Discovered by rival Fluminense, Rafael Ferreira Francisco arrived at Gávea at the start of the 2006 season with the responsibility of, even while still young, shaping the red-and-black attack. After all, the nickname Toró came about because, in the youth teams, he was known for scoring "a barrage of goals." However, he ended up being tested by coach Ney Franco in a more defensive role. It worked out well. Toró moved to midfield and found success. He excelled in both matches of that year's Copa do Brasil final against Vasco da Gama, and since then, he has alternated between starting and being on the bench, always fulfilling expectations when needed. In 2007, he won the Rio de Janeiro state title (a feat he repeated in 2008 and this year) and was one of the standout performers in the red-and-black team's memorable run in the Brazilian Championship.

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In this exclusive chat with Flamengo's official website, the defensive midfielder discussed his future, the position change, the strength and unity of the Flamengo squad, the team's chances of winning its sixth Brazilian championship, and his expectations for this Sunday's decisive match against Náutico, where he will once again start. The match is crucial for Flamengo in the competition, and the defensive midfielder assures: he's ready for this new challenge.

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Flamengo's official website - Toró, you're a player who followed a very common path in modern football. You started out playing up front and then moved back to become a defensive midfielder. Why do you think this happened to you, and how are you seeing this phase of your career at Flamengo?

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Toró - It just happened naturally. I was a striker, and before I knew it, I was almost a goalkeeper (laughs). But seriously, I think I found my ideal position, and I feel great playing this way.

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Flamengo's official website - His nickname is Toró because of the torrent of goals he scored at Flu, but now at Flamengo, playing further back, he's only scored five in just over 120 games. How do you feel about that? Do you miss scoring goals?

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Toró - Scoring goals is great, a great thrill. But now I help prevent a lot of goals, which is also important. But I always make my way up the attack, to reminisce about the good old days.

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Flamengo's official website - You established yourself at Flamengo in a Copa do Brasil final against Vasco. What memories do you have of that match? Was it the most important of your life so far?

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Toró - It was a special match. I remember the team playing to the beat of the song. I had a good performance, praised by everyone, and I cherish this moment.

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Flamengo's official website - You're already part of Flamengo's history, winning the Copa do Brasil and winning the fifth consecutive title. What's it like for a player to know your name is on the pages of this club, which is about to turn 114?

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Toró - It's every player's dream to make Flamengo's history. I hope to continue winning many titles here and pleasing the great fans who support us so much.

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Flamengo's official website - Ney Franco was the one who gave you your first chance to establish yourself at Flamengo, but you ended up becoming a starter and really hitting your stride under Joel. How do you view Joel and what do you feel about him?

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Toró - He's a coach who knows how to talk to everyone and who earns the respect and admiration of the entire squad. I really like him and wish him all the best for his already successful career.

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Flamengo's official website - Now, on the eve of another decisive game against Náutico, you have a chance of starting after a difficult period with your foot injury... How are you feeling for this game, both physically and mentally?

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Toró - I'm doing great, training hard. I feel confident about stepping onto the field and helping Flamengo secure the three points. We know it'll be a battle at Aflitos, but we're prepared.

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Flamengo's official website - Now Andrade is another coach who seems to have the group in his hands, just like Joel himself did in 2007. Is that the case? What's your relationship with Andrade like?

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Toró - Definitely. He's another coach everyone feels comfortable with; he speaks our language. I hope Flamengo wins this title to crown Andrade's excellent work. He deserves it.

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Flamengo's official website - Andrade, Pet, Adriano... All idols and symbols of this fan base's identification with the club. To what extent do you think this helps the team?

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Toró - They understand everything about Flamengo and help the younger players. The team only benefits from them.

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Flamengo's official website - You're a young player with a long career ahead of you. What are your plans for the future? Your contract with Flamengo ends at the end of 2010. Are you already thinking about renewing it?

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Toró - I really like it here and I'm thinking about staying. I'm happy at Flamengo.

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Flamengo's official website - Those who see from the outside see this group as very close-knit, always together. What is your relationship like with your teammates and do you have any close friends on the team?

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Toró - The group is very close-knit, I've made great friends here at Flamengo. I can mention Aírton, Willians, Leo Moura, and several others.

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Flamengo's official website - And what's Rafael's life like? What do you like to do in your free time?

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Toró - I like spending time with my family, going out to dinner, listening to music...

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Flamengo's official website - On that 2007 team, the feisty midfield, which featured you as one of its standouts, became known as the Elite Squad. Do you foresee a possible re-emergence of this defensive force in 2009, given that Flamengo is the team that steals the most balls in the championship?

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Toró - The quality of our defensive midfielders is immense. We have players like Maldonado, Willians, and Aírton, who show determination throughout the entire 90 minutes. These numbers demonstrate the strength of our work.

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Flamengo's official website - Another similarity with that year is the team's late-season surge. What factors do you think account for this, and do you believe Flamengo is definitely in the running for the sixth title?

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Toró - When the team is doing well, the fans help by playing along. Then it's hard to hold off a packed Maracanã. Plus, we're playing well away from home, which helps us fight for the title.

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Credits

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Full Name: Rafael Ferreira Francisco
Nickname: Bull
Date of birth: April 13th 1986
Age: 23 years
Birthplace: Rio de Janeiro - RJ)
Level: 1,69 m
Weight: 72 Kg
Position: Defensive Midfielder
Number: 21
Games for Flamengo: 124
Goals scored: 5