You Interview: Álvaro
The defense's sheriff answers questions and messages sent by internet users. Check out the answers.
By From the team at Flamengo's official website - in
When Álvaro was introduced to the press at the end of August, alongside Chilean midfielder Maldonado, the fans' initial reaction was a certain distrust. Flamengo had just been eliminated from the Copa Sudamericana by Fluminense and was on a three-game losing streak in the Brazilian Championship. But the player quickly made himself available to Andrade and took the field against Santo Adré. Coincidentally or not, with the two players' introductions, the club went six games without conceding a goal and went 10 games unbeaten in the competition. During this surge, Álvaro gained regular starting status and the admiration of the fans.
Check out the interview the player gave to Flamengo's official website, through his press office, based on questions sent in by fans on "Você Entrevista".
Douglas Gomes Diniz Almeida, business administrator, Ceilândia (DF) - For you, was playing for Flamengo treated naturally or did you see it as a challenge?
Alvaro – Playing for Flamengo is different, as we represent the largest fan base in Brazil. It's always been my dream to play here, and I'm thrilled with this opportunity. Things worked out quickly, and I hope to bring the fans lots of joy.
Jefferson Estevão de Oliveira, student, Volta Redonda (RJ) – Álvaro, before you arrived, Flamengo was suffering from the absence of the eternal Fábio Luciano! You arrived with the responsibility of fixing the defense... was this pressure at any point beneficial or harmful?
Alvaro – I enjoy this kind of responsibility. Fábio Luciano is a Flamengo idol, and an absence like that is always difficult. But I found a qualified group here, fully capable of facing any opponent, which ends up making things easier.
Daniel Senra, Bachelor of Law, São José Mipibu (RN) - Álvaro, congratulations! You've been fantastic at Mengão! What do you think of your teammate Angelim?
Alvaro – Thanks for the compliments! Angelim is a great guy and a very reliable defensive partner. He's a natural leader within the group, and we're counting on him in this final stretch of the Brasileirão.
João Pedro de Souza Miranda, student, São Pedro da Aldeia (RJ) - Álvaro, I used to watch your games for Inter. I don't know if it's because I'm a Flamengo fan, but I think you're playing better in the jersey. What's that because of? The fans, your good form, or the fact that Flamengo plays more defensively, which makes things easier? Thanks and best regards!
Alvaro – This is one of the best groups I've ever worked with, with many quality players at the level of the Brazilian national team. All of this, combined with the strength of our fans, makes everything on the field work. Best regards!
Douglas, student, Teresópolis (RJ) – Álvaro, do you still think Flamengo has a chance of winning the title, even with a draw with Goiás at home and with the Maracanã practically full?
Alvaro – Of course, we're on São Paulo's tail. They'll also face difficulties in these two remaining matches and could drop points. We have to do our part and believe until the end.
Yury Monteiro Lopes, Administrative and Logistics Assistant, Macaé (RJ) - Despite the need to contain the excitement, have you ever found yourself imagining what the party that would take over the country in celebration of this title would be like?
Alvaro – It would truly be a great celebration; Flamengo fans have been waiting for this title since 1992. We are focused on this final stretch and will do everything we can to give this gift to the great red-black nation.
Marcelo Nunes Andrade, administrative assistant, Goiânia (GO) Álvaro, Flamengo has had some good years in the Brazilian Championship, always fighting for a spot in the Libertadores since 2007. However, when it comes to the title, there have always been some slip-ups that have prevented us from going further. This year, we see the real possibility of a title at our doorstep. What differentiates this team from previous years that could reassure us about potential slip-ups?
Alvaro – I can't speak for previous years' squads, but I can assure you that this group has every chance of winning this title. We're having a great second half, and the fans have already realized they can trust the players.
Lucas Santos De Sousa, student, São Luís (MA) "Álvaro, if this team wins the title, would that be the pinnacle of your career?" Álvaro, Mengão is now one point behind leaders São Paulo. The fans, of course, are desperate to break the 17-year Brazilian Championship waiting list. Are you worried that the pre-season celebration will rub off on the squad in these final rounds?
Alvaro – These things don't affect the group. We're fully focused on these two remaining games.
Fernando Merlo Soares, business manager – Well, first of all, I'd like to congratulate Álvaro on his brilliant performance. The question is quite simple. You've played for other clubs, but how does it feel to be playing for the Most Beloved in the World? Can you say you're professionally fulfilled now?
Alvaro – Thank you, Fernando. Well, playing for Flamengo has always been a dream of mine, but I never imagined it would be this good. Walking into the Maracanã and seeing this beautiful crowd is something I can't describe. Without a doubt, I'm experiencing one of the greatest emotions of my life.
Pedro Paulo, athlete, Manaus (AM) - How does it feel to hear a packed Maracanã chanting: "Álvaro is bad, he'll get a big one"? What do you think is the reason for this quick admiration from the fans? Congratulations on your work and I'm very inspired by your football, as I'm a "short" defender.
Alvaro – Hello Pedro! I think this quick connection with Flamengo fans came about because of the fight I demonstrate on the field. Playing for a massive club like Flamengo requires a lot of dedication and respect for the history of this sacred stadium. Thank God, the work has been rewarded, and it's very gratifying to hear my name in a packed Maracanã.
Renan Luiz Lucena Miguel, metalworker, Rio de Janeiro (RJ) "How does it feel to walk into a packed Maracanã stadium in black and red, chanting your name? And I really liked your signing because you're a leader on the field. Let's fight for another spot in the Libertadores and, God willing, we'll be champions. We, the red and black, believe in you. Once Flamengo, always Flamengo."
Alvaro – Thanks for the support Renan, we're counting on you all for the final stretch!
Cleber Alves Lopes, security guard, Planaltina (GO) – Álvaro, I would like to know how you feel about being the sheriff of the red-black defense, and if you have any intentions of continuing at Flamengo in 2010?
Alvaro – I'm very happy here, and if I can continue in 2010, that would be great. My participation in the defense relies on the help of the excellent players who also play in this area. They've all been important in this run.
Paulo Roberto Sypriano, businessman, Rio de Janeiro (RJ) "Hey, Sheriff, you'll be back in 2010. We need you to win the Carioca, the Libertadores, the Brazilian Championship, and the World Cup. You represent the mystique of the red-and-black jersey, and we want you for a long time. Hugs, Paulo Sypriano, I'm a fan."
Alvaro –Thank you for your support, Paulo Roberto. A big hug!
Check out the interview the player gave to Flamengo's official website, through his press office, based on questions sent in by fans on "Você Entrevista".
Douglas Gomes Diniz Almeida, business administrator, Ceilândia (DF) - For you, was playing for Flamengo treated naturally or did you see it as a challenge?
Alvaro – Playing for Flamengo is different, as we represent the largest fan base in Brazil. It's always been my dream to play here, and I'm thrilled with this opportunity. Things worked out quickly, and I hope to bring the fans lots of joy.
Jefferson Estevão de Oliveira, student, Volta Redonda (RJ) – Álvaro, before you arrived, Flamengo was suffering from the absence of the eternal Fábio Luciano! You arrived with the responsibility of fixing the defense... was this pressure at any point beneficial or harmful?
Alvaro – I enjoy this kind of responsibility. Fábio Luciano is a Flamengo idol, and an absence like that is always difficult. But I found a qualified group here, fully capable of facing any opponent, which ends up making things easier.
Daniel Senra, Bachelor of Law, São José Mipibu (RN) - Álvaro, congratulations! You've been fantastic at Mengão! What do you think of your teammate Angelim?
Alvaro – Thanks for the compliments! Angelim is a great guy and a very reliable defensive partner. He's a natural leader within the group, and we're counting on him in this final stretch of the Brasileirão.
João Pedro de Souza Miranda, student, São Pedro da Aldeia (RJ) - Álvaro, I used to watch your games for Inter. I don't know if it's because I'm a Flamengo fan, but I think you're playing better in the jersey. What's that because of? The fans, your good form, or the fact that Flamengo plays more defensively, which makes things easier? Thanks and best regards!
Alvaro – This is one of the best groups I've ever worked with, with many quality players at the level of the Brazilian national team. All of this, combined with the strength of our fans, makes everything on the field work. Best regards!
Douglas, student, Teresópolis (RJ) – Álvaro, do you still think Flamengo has a chance of winning the title, even with a draw with Goiás at home and with the Maracanã practically full?
Alvaro – Of course, we're on São Paulo's tail. They'll also face difficulties in these two remaining matches and could drop points. We have to do our part and believe until the end.
Yury Monteiro Lopes, Administrative and Logistics Assistant, Macaé (RJ) - Despite the need to contain the excitement, have you ever found yourself imagining what the party that would take over the country in celebration of this title would be like?
Alvaro – It would truly be a great celebration; Flamengo fans have been waiting for this title since 1992. We are focused on this final stretch and will do everything we can to give this gift to the great red-black nation.
Marcelo Nunes Andrade, administrative assistant, Goiânia (GO) Álvaro, Flamengo has had some good years in the Brazilian Championship, always fighting for a spot in the Libertadores since 2007. However, when it comes to the title, there have always been some slip-ups that have prevented us from going further. This year, we see the real possibility of a title at our doorstep. What differentiates this team from previous years that could reassure us about potential slip-ups?
Alvaro – I can't speak for previous years' squads, but I can assure you that this group has every chance of winning this title. We're having a great second half, and the fans have already realized they can trust the players.
Lucas Santos De Sousa, student, São Luís (MA) "Álvaro, if this team wins the title, would that be the pinnacle of your career?" Álvaro, Mengão is now one point behind leaders São Paulo. The fans, of course, are desperate to break the 17-year Brazilian Championship waiting list. Are you worried that the pre-season celebration will rub off on the squad in these final rounds?
Alvaro – These things don't affect the group. We're fully focused on these two remaining games.
Fernando Merlo Soares, business manager – Well, first of all, I'd like to congratulate Álvaro on his brilliant performance. The question is quite simple. You've played for other clubs, but how does it feel to be playing for the Most Beloved in the World? Can you say you're professionally fulfilled now?
Alvaro – Thank you, Fernando. Well, playing for Flamengo has always been a dream of mine, but I never imagined it would be this good. Walking into the Maracanã and seeing this beautiful crowd is something I can't describe. Without a doubt, I'm experiencing one of the greatest emotions of my life.
Pedro Paulo, athlete, Manaus (AM) - How does it feel to hear a packed Maracanã chanting: "Álvaro is bad, he'll get a big one"? What do you think is the reason for this quick admiration from the fans? Congratulations on your work and I'm very inspired by your football, as I'm a "short" defender.
Alvaro – Hello Pedro! I think this quick connection with Flamengo fans came about because of the fight I demonstrate on the field. Playing for a massive club like Flamengo requires a lot of dedication and respect for the history of this sacred stadium. Thank God, the work has been rewarded, and it's very gratifying to hear my name in a packed Maracanã.
Renan Luiz Lucena Miguel, metalworker, Rio de Janeiro (RJ) "How does it feel to walk into a packed Maracanã stadium in black and red, chanting your name? And I really liked your signing because you're a leader on the field. Let's fight for another spot in the Libertadores and, God willing, we'll be champions. We, the red and black, believe in you. Once Flamengo, always Flamengo."
Alvaro – Thanks for the support Renan, we're counting on you all for the final stretch!
Cleber Alves Lopes, security guard, Planaltina (GO) – Álvaro, I would like to know how you feel about being the sheriff of the red-black defense, and if you have any intentions of continuing at Flamengo in 2010?
Alvaro – I'm very happy here, and if I can continue in 2010, that would be great. My participation in the defense relies on the help of the excellent players who also play in this area. They've all been important in this run.
Paulo Roberto Sypriano, businessman, Rio de Janeiro (RJ) "Hey, Sheriff, you'll be back in 2010. We need you to win the Carioca, the Libertadores, the Brazilian Championship, and the World Cup. You represent the mystique of the red-and-black jersey, and we want you for a long time. Hugs, Paulo Sypriano, I'm a fan."
Alvaro –Thank you for your support, Paulo Roberto. A big hug!