Ronaldo Angelim: 'Our intention is to win the State Championship and the Libertadores Cup'
Defender answers questions from fans registered on the official website
By From the team at Flamengo's official website - in
After his goal against Grêmio, Ronaldo Angelim was elevated to the club's hall of fame. Possessing an admirable simplicity, the defender was rewarded with the best of the many headers he's scored in his nearly 15-year career, drawing the expected "champion" cry from the throats of millions.
With the renewal of his contract, Angelim is starting his fifth season at Gávea. Always in search of more titles – at Flamengo alone, Angelim has a Brazilian Championship (2009), a Brazilian Cup (2006) and a three-time state championship (2007/08/09).
With the support of the player's press office, the club's journalism team conducted an interview based on questions sent in by fans registered on Flamengo's official website.
See the answers now:
Luiz Antonio Correa Silva Junior, 14 years old, student, Vitória (ES) – What was it like scoring the winning goal for Mengão in that packed Maracaí stadium? Have you ever imagined what would have happened if Flamengo had lost that game? What do you think the Flamengo fans would have done?
Ronaldo Angelim – We didn't even think about what would happen if we lost; we just wanted the title, and our thoughts were focused entirely on victory. Scoring that goal was a unique feeling, and I'll carry it with me for the rest of my life.
Pedro Paulo Procópio Leite, 28 years old, federal public servant, Brazilândia (DF) Good afternoon, Ronaldo Angelim. I've always admired your football. I'd like to know what you felt when you scored the winning goal? Claudio Lourenço Marins, 31 years old, dispatcher, Duque de Caxias/RJ - Hi Angelim. Congratulations on your performances for the club you love most. My question is: what was going through your mind when you scored the second goal against Grêmio, which culminated in the sixth title?
Ronaldo Angelim – My entire journey in life and football has been a journey of great sacrifice. Thank God, I was rewarded by being able to play for Flamengo, win several titles, and score that sixth title goal. I can't even describe how moved I was.
Bruno Borges Alves, 17 years old, Student, Rio de Janeiro (RJ) – Ronaldo Angelim, for you, what was the real factor (or factors) that led Flamengo to win its sixth Brazilian championship in 2009?
Ronaldo Angelim – Our squad boasts a lot of quality, and we won decisive games down the stretch, like against Palmeiras and Atlético-MG, away from home. We got our momentum going at the right time, and the fans carried us to the title.
Paulo Andrey Vicente, 31 years old, civil servant, Doctor Pedrinho (SC) Angelim, ever since you arrived at Flamengo, you were always considered a backup; they always signed someone for defense, and you ended up winning the starting spot again. Today, you're undisputed and a fan favorite. How do you feel after becoming a starter and one of the club's idols?
Ronaldo Angelim – It's very gratifying to have your work recognized. I've never considered myself the boss of my position at Flamengo, and I strive to dedicate myself fully to training, every day. I'll continue this way until the end of my career.
FELIFLA, 47 years old, salesman, São Gonçalo (RJ) - Ronaldo, hasn't being so humble hindered your career at all?
Ronaldo Angelim – It's my personality, and I'm happy that way. I've never considered myself better than anyone else, and I don't think that hinders a player's career. So much so that today I'm at the club with the biggest fan base in Brazil and I just won the Brazilian championship.
Gabrielle, 17 years old, student, Rio de Janeiro (RJ) - How do you feel when you're in the middle of an important game? And what does it really take for a player to be fully prepared for a game like this?
Ronaldo Angelim – I always try to reassure the younger players during difficult times. But preparation for an important game begins during the week, in training, in the training camp. It's in these situations that we start winning games.
Antônio Marcos Freitas, 30 years old, coordinator of springs, Lauro de Freitas (BA) - In your opinion, what makes a player an idol for Flamengo fans? And which of these characteristics does Ronaldo Angelim possess?
Ronaldo Angelim – I dedicate myself completely to games; I never give up. I think the fans also identify with my life story of overcoming obstacles, a common one for most Brazilians.
Francismar Calefi Mudesto, 30 years old, student, Pará de Minas (MG) – Ronaldo, last year, both Welliton and Fabrício struggled when they joined the team because they were so young. What advice would you give them and the other young players in the youth academy, given that the center-back position is so demanding? Best regards, and thanks for the amazing goal that won the title!
Ronaldo Angelim –Goalkeepers and defenders can never make a mistake, because it can be fatal. I always advise staying focused throughout the entire 90 minutes of a match and playing seriously.
Josué Santiago Mariano Junior, 43 years old, musician, Rio de Janeiro (RJ) – Angelim, how are you going to reassure the reserve goalkeeper [Marcelo Lomba], if Fla needs it in a semifinal game in Argentina or elsewhere if Bruno can't play?
Ronaldo Angelim – Marcelo and the other goalkeepers in our squad are quality and can fit the bill. Of course, Bruno's absence would be a loss for any team, but we have confidence in all our players.
Wellington Monnerat, 24 years old, electrician, Cachoeiras de Macacu (RJ) – Why haven't you and Álvaro played the same strong football you did last year? Is the group focused and united for the fourth consecutive title and the Copa Libertadores?
Ronaldo Angelim – We're at the beginning of the season, and we're still improving. Our goal is to win the State Championship and the Copa Libertadores.
Nilson Roberto Figueiredo Cruz, 47 years old, merchant, Lages (SC) - Do you miss that Fortaleza team from Série B? A big hug and we're rooting for us to win another Rio title.
Ronaldo Angelim – I have good memories of Fortaleza and a great affection for the fans.
Vinicius de Lima, civil aviation protection agent, Salvador (BA) - Hello Ronaldo, do you dream of one day being Flamengo's coach?
Ronaldo Angelim – I don't think about it yet, but who knows, maybe one day?
Lucas, 16 years old, student, Paranaguá (PR) – If you leave Mengo, will you leave for a team in Brazil?
Ronaldo Angelim – I'm very happy here and this possibility doesn't even cross my mind.
With the renewal of his contract, Angelim is starting his fifth season at Gávea. Always in search of more titles – at Flamengo alone, Angelim has a Brazilian Championship (2009), a Brazilian Cup (2006) and a three-time state championship (2007/08/09).
With the support of the player's press office, the club's journalism team conducted an interview based on questions sent in by fans registered on Flamengo's official website.
See the answers now:
Luiz Antonio Correa Silva Junior, 14 years old, student, Vitória (ES) – What was it like scoring the winning goal for Mengão in that packed Maracaí stadium? Have you ever imagined what would have happened if Flamengo had lost that game? What do you think the Flamengo fans would have done?
Ronaldo Angelim – We didn't even think about what would happen if we lost; we just wanted the title, and our thoughts were focused entirely on victory. Scoring that goal was a unique feeling, and I'll carry it with me for the rest of my life.
Pedro Paulo Procópio Leite, 28 years old, federal public servant, Brazilândia (DF) Good afternoon, Ronaldo Angelim. I've always admired your football. I'd like to know what you felt when you scored the winning goal? Claudio Lourenço Marins, 31 years old, dispatcher, Duque de Caxias/RJ - Hi Angelim. Congratulations on your performances for the club you love most. My question is: what was going through your mind when you scored the second goal against Grêmio, which culminated in the sixth title?
Ronaldo Angelim – My entire journey in life and football has been a journey of great sacrifice. Thank God, I was rewarded by being able to play for Flamengo, win several titles, and score that sixth title goal. I can't even describe how moved I was.
Bruno Borges Alves, 17 years old, Student, Rio de Janeiro (RJ) – Ronaldo Angelim, for you, what was the real factor (or factors) that led Flamengo to win its sixth Brazilian championship in 2009?
Ronaldo Angelim – Our squad boasts a lot of quality, and we won decisive games down the stretch, like against Palmeiras and Atlético-MG, away from home. We got our momentum going at the right time, and the fans carried us to the title.
Paulo Andrey Vicente, 31 years old, civil servant, Doctor Pedrinho (SC) Angelim, ever since you arrived at Flamengo, you were always considered a backup; they always signed someone for defense, and you ended up winning the starting spot again. Today, you're undisputed and a fan favorite. How do you feel after becoming a starter and one of the club's idols?
Ronaldo Angelim – It's very gratifying to have your work recognized. I've never considered myself the boss of my position at Flamengo, and I strive to dedicate myself fully to training, every day. I'll continue this way until the end of my career.
FELIFLA, 47 years old, salesman, São Gonçalo (RJ) - Ronaldo, hasn't being so humble hindered your career at all?
Ronaldo Angelim – It's my personality, and I'm happy that way. I've never considered myself better than anyone else, and I don't think that hinders a player's career. So much so that today I'm at the club with the biggest fan base in Brazil and I just won the Brazilian championship.
Gabrielle, 17 years old, student, Rio de Janeiro (RJ) - How do you feel when you're in the middle of an important game? And what does it really take for a player to be fully prepared for a game like this?
Ronaldo Angelim – I always try to reassure the younger players during difficult times. But preparation for an important game begins during the week, in training, in the training camp. It's in these situations that we start winning games.
Antônio Marcos Freitas, 30 years old, coordinator of springs, Lauro de Freitas (BA) - In your opinion, what makes a player an idol for Flamengo fans? And which of these characteristics does Ronaldo Angelim possess?
Ronaldo Angelim – I dedicate myself completely to games; I never give up. I think the fans also identify with my life story of overcoming obstacles, a common one for most Brazilians.
Francismar Calefi Mudesto, 30 years old, student, Pará de Minas (MG) – Ronaldo, last year, both Welliton and Fabrício struggled when they joined the team because they were so young. What advice would you give them and the other young players in the youth academy, given that the center-back position is so demanding? Best regards, and thanks for the amazing goal that won the title!
Ronaldo Angelim –Goalkeepers and defenders can never make a mistake, because it can be fatal. I always advise staying focused throughout the entire 90 minutes of a match and playing seriously.
Josué Santiago Mariano Junior, 43 years old, musician, Rio de Janeiro (RJ) – Angelim, how are you going to reassure the reserve goalkeeper [Marcelo Lomba], if Fla needs it in a semifinal game in Argentina or elsewhere if Bruno can't play?
Ronaldo Angelim – Marcelo and the other goalkeepers in our squad are quality and can fit the bill. Of course, Bruno's absence would be a loss for any team, but we have confidence in all our players.
Wellington Monnerat, 24 years old, electrician, Cachoeiras de Macacu (RJ) – Why haven't you and Álvaro played the same strong football you did last year? Is the group focused and united for the fourth consecutive title and the Copa Libertadores?
Ronaldo Angelim – We're at the beginning of the season, and we're still improving. Our goal is to win the State Championship and the Copa Libertadores.
Nilson Roberto Figueiredo Cruz, 47 years old, merchant, Lages (SC) - Do you miss that Fortaleza team from Série B? A big hug and we're rooting for us to win another Rio title.
Ronaldo Angelim – I have good memories of Fortaleza and a great affection for the fans.
Vinicius de Lima, civil aviation protection agent, Salvador (BA) - Hello Ronaldo, do you dream of one day being Flamengo's coach?
Ronaldo Angelim – I don't think about it yet, but who knows, maybe one day?
Lucas, 16 years old, student, Paranaguá (PR) – If you leave Mengo, will you leave for a team in Brazil?
Ronaldo Angelim – I'm very happy here and this possibility doesn't even cross my mind.