Lucas Paquetá and Diego are among the weapons of Flamengo's youth team for the Rio Cup final, which will be played this Saturday morning (17.11/15) against Fluminense, in Xerém. Lucas and Diego, both XNUMX, are friends and are counting on their partnership to help Mengão win the Rio Cup in their category. They know the game will be tough, but they guarantee they are focused on winning the duel.

"We always push each other to do the right things together. We're very focused this week. And, God willing, we'll score a goal to help the team," promises Lucas Paquetá, who earned his soccer surname after living on the island of the same name in Guanabara Bay. Today he lives in Jacarepaguá.

"Our relationship is excellent. We're friends and our focus now is just one: the game. We're going to face a strong team, Fluminense, and we're going to try to overcome all obstacles," says striker Diego, a resident of Realengo.

Besides their friendship on the ball, the boys rely on the support of their families to help them overcome the challenges on the field. Paquetá says his parents encourage him to play with joy, and he affirms that he follows that advice when the ball rolls.

"My father and mother always tell me to have joy on the field, no matter what. It's about having joy because that's my job. Happy football with dedication and competence," says the young athlete.

Diego completes the sentence, making it clear that his focus on beating Fluminense is very strong. The striker also points out that next year there's a division change, and a title would boost their morale and confidence in the youth team. 

"My family is excellent. They always accompany me to every game. I've made great friends here, like the one with Paquetá. And that's it, I want to win and move up a category well," he summarizes.

As soon as the season ends, Diego and Paquetá want to enjoy their vacation, as studies and football don't allow them to do so often.

"On vacation, we're going to enjoy our family. We don't have much time for that during the year. It's training, school, and then rest for the next day," confesses Diego, who is cut off by Paquetá, who says that during vacation, there can't be a lack of football.

If Flamengo wins the Rio Cup, they will consequently win the State Championship, having already won the Guanabara Cup. The match against Fluminense takes place at 10 a.m. in Xerém.