U-20 athletes celebrate a victorious year and praise the red-and-black team
Flamengo won five trophies in five finals; four players said goodbye to the category
By Flamengo Communication - inSão Paulo Junior Football Cup, Guanabara Cup, Carioca Championship, Dossena Trophy (Italy) and Otávio Pinto Guimarães Tournament. In 2018, Flamengo U-20 reached five finals and won the trophy in all of them. With the OPG title last Friday (23), the Mais Querido celebrated the great season in several competitions, in addition to saying goodbye to defender Matheus Dantas, midfielder and captain Hugo Moura, full-back Klebinho and striker Lucas Silva, who will soon turn 21.
"I had already won all the titles in Rio de Janeiro, all that was missing was the OPG. Now that's all there is to it. This proves that Flamengo is the best in the state and the biggest in Brazil," celebrated striker Bill.
"A victorious year. I'm happy to have been part of this group, which has been a winner since its infancy. We learned and got used to winning. Individually, it was a very special year for everything that happened. I'm very grateful to God for all of it. This title is the crowning glory, and we'll fight for more, because that's what Flamengo is all about. This jersey deserves it," said goalkeeper Hugo Souza.
"Immense happiness to win five titles in five finals. This group works hard and deserved all these victories. At the end of the year we'll still be looking for the Copa RS trophy," said Luiz Henrique.
In his final year in the U-20 category, Matheus Dantas concludes his tenure with Flamengo's youth academy with yet another achievement. "First, I'd like to thank the club for their trust, and my teammates who always believed in me. It was a blessed year, one of making history. We won five championships, and Flamengo is already a winner. This is the legacy we need to leave for the fans," the defender added.
Another player officially leaving the youth academy is Klebinho, a frequent face at the professional squad's training sessions. "Being a five-time champion is very good for us. We gained a lot of experience, both for the younger and older players. Now it's time to focus, as our time here is over. I can only thank all the professionals who welcomed me during this time," commented the full-back.
"It's a huge joy to be able to play another final wearing this shirt. I'm happy to start and end the year by winning a title," said Hugo Moura, captain of the U-20 team, who is also finishing his time in the category.
Forward Lucas Silva had a difficult year. After a long period recovering from an injury, the youngster managed to return in time to wear the Manto and lift the OPG trophy. "We started the season well, and then I got injured, missing six months. I came back thanks to my family and the group. There's nothing better than ending this cycle with another victory," he concluded.
Finally, Yuri, who scored the goal in the first leg that secured victory in the tournament final, also expressed his happiness at the moment. "It's a great feeling. We had an excellent year and we could only crown it with this title. It was a real commitment from the group, and I'm very happy to have scored in that match," concluded the midfielder.