Itu (SP) - It's hard to find a player more identified with Flamengo today than Leonardo Moura. A self-proclaimed Flamengo fan since childhood, he owns relics from his fan days, like a photo alongside Zico on the Maracanã pitch, and he turned this passion into a professional success. After all, it was at Gávea that he won his major titles, established himself as one of the top players in his position, and was even called up to the Brazilian national team.

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Three-time Rio de Janeiro champion, Copa do Brasil champion, and Brazilian champion, Leonardo Moura believes Flamengo is essential in his life. That's why he hopes to stay with the club until the end of his career. One of the leaders of the current squad, the number 2 knows the difficulties of repeating the momentum of the last Brasileirão, but dreams of a winning season to avoid breaking his four-year streak without winning a title with Flamengo.

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Check out an exclusive interview with the player below:

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Flamengo's official website team: As a leader of this group, how do you feel about the young squad and what do you think you can do to help?
Leonardo Moura: What we can do for them is to instill a sense of calm and confidence. We have to make them feel comfortable. They have a lot of quality, but they can't be relied on as solutions. They're here to contribute, and the more experienced players will do everything possible to help them develop even further. Everyone here respects each other deeply, and even given the history that players like me, Juan, and Pet have made here at the club, we know we're role models for these kids. And what we can do is support them and pass on some of our experience.

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Team: What's the atmosphere like in the group? Do these everyday jokes help foster unity?
Leo: Many players come and go, but the cheerful spirit of this group remains. I've worked on great squads, but I can say none were quite like this one. Good humor is essential. Everyone here likes each other, and it's natural to joke around. When things get serious, we're serious. But it's always good to lighten up.

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Team: Is working with Zico a childhood dream?
Leo: It's a pleasure to be wearing the Flamengo jersey, working with Zico. I've always dreamed of working with him, and it almost happened a few times, but God wanted it to be here. I'm very proud of this and very happy with the trust he's always placed in me. I'll continue to do my best to deliver on the field.

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Team: Your love for Flamengo has always been clear. Combining that with the main part of your career, with its many titles, was it the perfect marriage?
Leo: My time here has been marked by titles. I arrived at Flamengo in 2005 and only that year did I win nothing. I really wanted to win the Libertadores in 2010, but unfortunately, it didn't happen. But who knows, maybe there's something good in store for us at the end of the year. It's very gratifying to know that I'm part of Flamengo's history and that I'll be remembered fondly for this team's achievements. But I intend to stay here until the end of my career, and until then, I hope to win more titles and further my name in this history.

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Team: What can fans expect from Flamengo in 2010?
Leo: Flamengo's fans are very demanding, and we have to respond to these demands on the field with great determination. For me, it's as if I'm defending my family every game. This is my life. The fans can expect a lot of dedication from me and the entire group, and we'll fight to return to the top four as soon as possible.

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Team: You're one of the players most identified with the fans. Where does all this affection come from?
Leo: I try to reciprocate the affection not only on the field but also off it, with great humility, paying attention to the fans, to the people on Twitter... I'm this guy you see here, and I always say this: I'm no different from anyone else just because I'm a Flamengo player. I'm an ordinary person, and I'm very happy with the fans' recognition. The least I can do is reciprocate that affection.

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Team: Reinforcements are always being speculated about at Flamengo. Does the group really need players?
Leo: In any group, quality players are always welcome. Ours is no different. I believe we have a strong squad, but we clearly need reinforcements, even to replace the players who left. We know the board is working on that. Corrêa, Val, and Jean have already arrived. Renato is also on his way, and in the meantime, we're working hard to have a good Brazilian Championship.

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Teams: One of the new signings is Renato Abreu. What can you tell us about him?
Leo: Renato is a guy who has everything it takes to succeed again here at Flamengo. He already has a strong connection with the club, did very well in his first stint, and made many friends here, including myself. We're all rooting for him to settle in quickly and be a huge help to us as the season progresses.

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Team: Leave a message for the red-black fans who visit Flamengo's official website.
Leo: I ask the nation to keep believing. This group is working hard to bring even more joy to the fans. Support is essential, and last year proved that. The fans pushed the team, and we were Brazilian champions. I believe that can happen again this year. And keep visiting the website, too, okay? (laughs)

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