At the São Paulo Cup, Diego Maurício was left out after being called up to the Brazilian U-20 national team. However, the Flamengo fans didn't even notice the absence of their top scorer. Dudu stepped in, scoring numerous goals, and was praised by everyone who watched the competition. Now, in the final stretch of the Guanabara Cup, Diego returns to the Brazilian team, giving Dudu another chance to shine.

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Humble, the player reveals that he does have good memories of the Copinha, but says he would trade the good games and goals for the title.

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"I was a standout in the competition thanks to my teammates, who always supported me when I needed it on the field. But it could have been better. I know my potential and I know I could have helped the team even more, to reach the finals," said the striker.

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Despite taking Diego Maurício's place in the starting lineup for the red-black under-20s, Dudu guarantees that his relationship with his teammate is the best possible and even states that it is possible for the two to play together.

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"Diego is a friend off the field, and we can play together too. Whenever we train together, everything ends up going well, with us helping each other. I wouldn't have a problem playing alongside him," he noted.

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State - Next Sunday, the goalscorer is Flamengo's hope for goals in the match against Tigres, at 10 am, in Gávea.

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"An opportunity has come my way again, and I'll try to give my all on the field so we can win the games I start. The team has a lot of quality players, and we're capable of fighting for this title," said the top scorer.

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Dudu and company's mission, however, isn't easy. With three rounds remaining in the Taça Guanabara, the team trails Fluminense by three points and Vasco by two in the title race. But Armênio Moura's team still believes.

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"We have to do our part and root against the other teams, but it's still possible, without a doubt. We'll believe until the end," said Dudu.

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Love for Fla - Dona Maria Lucia and Mr. Antônio. These are two of the main reasons for Dudu's career success. He began playing soccer as a boy, at the age of six, for Santo André. At ten, he left the city and went to Guararapes, where he competed in an amateur tournament and excelled. From there to Flamengo, it was only a matter of time. And courage.

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"I did well in that tournament, and some scouts liked me. Barueri and São Caetano wanted to sign me, but I refused when a manager said he would take me to Flamengo for a trial. I came, did it, and thank God I'm still here today," he said.

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Inspiration from the Emperor - To maintain the success of the youth teams in the professional ranks soon, Dudu already knows who to look up to: Adriano. The Emperor is a great role model for the player, who has a similar playing style to that of the Gávea number 10.

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"I really like Adriano. I'm a fan of his, especially because I think I have a similar style of play to him. I shoot a lot from outside the box, I play a lot with my body and I try to score a lot of goals," he analyzed.