An "almost hermano" in the Flamengo fan base
Born in Dionísio Cerqueira, on the border with Argentina, Valdemir went to Londrina for Fla x América
By Direct from Londrina (PR) - Thiago Barros - in
Dionísio Cerqueira is from a curious city in southern Brazil. It sits on the border between Santa Catarina and Paraná, and also borders Argentina. Colonized by Italians and Germans, it has fewer than 15 inhabitants. Among them, of course, are Flamengo fans. This is the case with Valdemir Silva, a 33-year-old businessman who, along with his wife Carina and sons Ricardo and Vitor, embarked on a long trip to see Flamengo.
The idea came out of nowhere. Passion prevailed, and the unique opportunity to see his favorite team up close made all the difference. Booking a room and finding tickets—everything was done at the last minute. But it was worth it, says Valdemir.
"I was at home, already thinking about watching Flamengo. It was 11:45 a.m. on Friday, and I started looking for information. I found out where the delegation was staying and booked a room, still without having anything planned. Then, I went looking for a ticket. I called a lot of people. The hotel reception itself, a store that sold tickets, and nothing. Until I managed to speak to the president of Londrina, Mr. Cláudio, who assured me he could help me," said the fan, who only then informed his family.
"With that already resolved, I spoke to my wife: "Shall we travel?" She thought it was a vacation, in the middle of the year (laughs). Then I explained that I wanted to go to Londrina now, this weekend, and she understood the situation and accepted the proposal, so the two of us and our children came," he revealed.
He's happy, hoping to be lucky in his first Flamengo game at a stadium and is just hoping to get a special souvenir: a photo or autograph from Ronaldinho.
"I'm glad everything worked out, I'm here and now I'm going to the stadium. I want to try to take a picture with Ronaldinho, get an autograph... We'll see. It's my first game at the stadium for Flamengo and just being here makes me happy," he added.
The idea came out of nowhere. Passion prevailed, and the unique opportunity to see his favorite team up close made all the difference. Booking a room and finding tickets—everything was done at the last minute. But it was worth it, says Valdemir.
"I was at home, already thinking about watching Flamengo. It was 11:45 a.m. on Friday, and I started looking for information. I found out where the delegation was staying and booked a room, still without having anything planned. Then, I went looking for a ticket. I called a lot of people. The hotel reception itself, a store that sold tickets, and nothing. Until I managed to speak to the president of Londrina, Mr. Cláudio, who assured me he could help me," said the fan, who only then informed his family.
"With that already resolved, I spoke to my wife: "Shall we travel?" She thought it was a vacation, in the middle of the year (laughs). Then I explained that I wanted to go to Londrina now, this weekend, and she understood the situation and accepted the proposal, so the two of us and our children came," he revealed.
He's happy, hoping to be lucky in his first Flamengo game at a stadium and is just hoping to get a special souvenir: a photo or autograph from Ronaldinho.
"I'm glad everything worked out, I'm here and now I'm going to the stadium. I want to try to take a picture with Ronaldinho, get an autograph... We'll see. It's my first game at the stadium for Flamengo and just being here makes me happy," he added.
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