Serbian midfielder Petkovic revealed that he took a risk when he accepted to play for Flamengo, in his first stint at the club, in 2000. In an interview with "Tá na Área Especial" this Monday, the current number 43 of the red-black team recalled that he was compared to the club's greatest idol.

\

"I signed with Flamengo on Christmas Eve, and when I arrived in January, they compared me to Zico. I knew Zico from the national team. But when I learned what Zico meant to Flamengo, it was too late. I had already accepted that comparison, without realizing what I had gotten myself into. But today I see how lucky I really am," Petkovic told reporters Cláudio Uchôa and Fábio Juppa.

\

When asked why the 2001 Flamengo, which had Pet, Edilson, Juan, Gamarra, Vampeta, Beto, and the still young Adriano, didn't reach higher heights, the Serbian gave two explanations: the Brazilian one and the logical one.

\

In the Brazilian explanation, too many stars together, with too much vanity, doesn't work. But logic dictates that you can't build a team expecting results in three months. You have to have the foundation, fit some pieces together, and then eliminate the vanity that gets in the way. Flamengo spent a lot of money thinking they would win everything. But they ended up seeing the team lose in a few fights.

\

Petkovic also draws a connection between the 2001 Rio de Janeiro title-winning goal against Vasco da Gama and the sixth championship title won this year. For him, the sixth Brazilian title is a natural consequence of the fourth and third.

\

"I didn't realize what that goal meant. I realized later that I was lucky enough to score it. But only now, years later, did I realize its significance. This sixth title wouldn't have happened if that goal hadn't happened to us for the fourth title. I wouldn't have come back and done everything I did."

\

Upon his return to the club this year, Petkovic admits that he never imagined winning a Brazilian title with Flamengo.

\

"Imagining we'd be champions was a bit of an exaggeration. In that situation, the goal was to return the fans' affection and help Flamengo. But winning the sixth title was something we weren't confident about."

\

Analyzing his success as one of the best players in the 2009 Brasileirão, Petkovic says it's all due to his happiness.

\

"When a player is happy with their professional life, they tend to perform better. My intentions were different. They were those of a more experienced player than the others, not wanting to prove anything to anyone. But to help, to accept many challenges, and to give back what the club and the fans have done for me. I like playing football."