Idol scored with a free kick in the Fla 5 x 0 Flu match, valid for the 1989 Brazilian Championship, in Juiz de Fora (MG)
\ \ \ \\ \ \ \ \ As much as it seemed unbeatable - at least for the fans of Flamengo-,\ Zico was unable to win the battle against time. Amid muscular discomfort and knee pain, Galinho had to leave the scene. The final act\ came in the 5-0 victory over Fluminense,\ for the Brazilian Championship 1989, in Juiz de Fora (MG). A classic that went down in football history for hosting the number 10's final goal. And, this Wednesday, it turns 20 with an air of nostalgia (watch the video next to the unforgettable goal).
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With his trademark trademark, Zico scored for the last time in a Flamengo jersey with a masterful free kick. He passed to forward Renato Gaúcho to extend the lead and was substituted seven minutes into the second half. Luiz Carlos, Uidemar, and Bujica completed the derby.
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It was the end of a dream that felt like a job well done, as the idol himself said in an email interview.
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GLOBOESPORTE.COM: What memory do you have of that fateful goal in the farewell Fla-Flu?
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ZICO: It was one of the most beautiful (goals) and one of the best-hit free kicks I've had the opportunity to take. It was also worth it for the individual play I made and the foul I received.
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Did it have to be a foul so that the people who were in the stadium didn't run the risk of missing the last act?
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I've always enjoyed scoring goals from free kicks and I've never hidden that from anyone. I think that's why everyone was so focused on the play. Everyone gave me positive energy, making me think the goal would come.
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Was it one of the most memorable and beautiful goals of your career?
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\ Of course it was. It couldn't have been better.
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What was December 2, 1989 like?
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I woke up early and went to coach my children's and friends' team: Nova Geração. We were champions in a festive tournament held at the Clube da Aeronáutica in Barra da Tijuca, against the competition's national team. Then I drove to Juiz de Fora and met with the delegation at the stadium. Even though I knew it would be my last official game wearing a Flamengo shirt, I was calm and happy with what I had achieved throughout my career. I was there alongside the people I love most: my wife, Sandra, my three children, my mother, my brothers, as well as friends and the Flamengo fans.
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Then-Fluminense goalkeeper Ricardo Pinto said the day before that it was an honor to face you. Did that make that goal even more legendary?
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I don't believe it. He suffered, and many didn't understand his statement. He had said before the match that he had never conceded a goal to me. And, since I left my mark on that game, perhaps to justify himself, Ricardo said it was an honor to concede a goal to me. This ended up angering the Tricolor fans, who later disagreed with the athlete. I think that if this goalkeeper hadn't said anything before the game, he wouldn't have said anything afterward either. I just regret everything that happened, because he was a great goalkeeper.