Matheus França thinks about the U-20 Guanabara Cup final and praises the fans' affection
The full-back also assessed his first months at Flamengo and the importance of professional experience.
By Mariana Sá and Vitor Cachoeira - inThe U-20 Boys of the Nest are preparing for their first final of 2019. Flamengo will face Vasco da Gama in their quest to win the Guanabara Cup. With a 2-1 advantage from their win at Gávea, Flamengo can even draw to secure the title. Before the match, right-back Matheus França spoke exclusively to the official website about his expectations and his first steps with the Sacred Mantle.
Signed from Londrina at the beginning of this season, Matheus was a standout for the Paraná team in the 2018 São Paulo Cup and also had opportunities with the professional team during the State Championship. Upon arriving at Flamengo, his impressions were positive. "I found it to be a sensational club, as well as the structure. I was excited to come here from the first minute. After I arrived, the atmosphere was great, the guys welcomed me very well. I think Flamengo and I connected very well. That's really good," he said.
"Having this professional experience, not just for myself but for the other players as well, is very important, because sometimes some attitudes on the field can get in the way. Going there helps with the emotional aspect, for example, we have the chance to play with some really good guys. It's great to bring that to the younger players, because it helps on and off the field," França added.
Receiving numerous messages on social media for his performance in the U-20s, the right-back thanked the nation for their support, stating that it doesn't take away from his focus on growing within the Red-Black team. "Of course, it's very gratifying to have the fans' recognition. Being a very young boy, it's a great thing. Personally, it's not something that dazzles me, but it does give me the strength to want to grow and be a professional every day," he praised.
Flamengo returns to the field this Saturday (8), at 10 am, to face Vasco in the second leg of the Guanabara Cup U-20 final. The match will take place at São Januário stadium. For Matheus, it will be the chance to lift the first trophy with the Sacred Mantle. "Since it's my first final, I'm very excited. Everyone knows what a classic like this is like. So I'm happy with this opportunity to, who knows, win a title here. We're studying them and very focused. I think everything will work out for us," he concluded.