After a year at Mengão, Malu Rocha is another player from the U-20 category to leave the club for the United States, as well as Ju Lopes, who said goodbye last Friday (29). Winner of the Unifoot Diamante Pro Cup with the Manto, the athlete received an invitation to study and play at Kansas City Kansas Community College, where she will study Communications. She is already on American soil. 

Dedicated and known for her team spirit, Malu played in the Nike Premier Cup and the Brasileirão U-17, as well as for Unifoot, as mentioned above. Beloved by everyone at CEFAN, the full-back/winger was honored on the last day of training. Coach Celso Silva gave a warm speech, and some teammates also spoke. Her connection with the club, which has always attracted attention, will now be eternal. Her nostalgic and touching statement in an interview with the official website symbolizes this. 

"First, I want to thank the club for the opportunity to wear the Sacred Mantle. Like a true Flamengo fan, I didn't just do that. I honored it. On the field, I always screamed with every play, I arrived at every tackle to win, and I gave my all until the end. That's Flamengo. I experienced moments that I will cherish for the rest of my life, like being part of the women's youth team's first title. On July 26th, when the referee blew the whistle, happiness took over in an inexplicable way. I already knew it would be my last game, so I was overcome with emotion. There was no better way to close the cycle, especially at the feet of Christ the Redeemer. I'm leaving, but the spirit of being a Flamengo fan will live on forever within me. To my second home, I can only say that I'm grateful for all the welcome and hospitality. As I often say, I will forever be a Menina da Gávea," she said, with tears in her eyes.

Now settled on the university campus, the player cited the importance of the Red-Black team throughout the entire process and did not hide her gratitude. It was, for both parties, a memorable experience.

"I'm walking out the front door and now I'm opening new windows to enjoy the world. Since I was little, I've always dreamed of coming to the United States, and thanks to Flamengo, I'm finally making it happen. The club gave me exposure and provided me with impeccable infrastructure, especially with friendlies against foreign teams. Flamengo is a fundamental part of my coming here," she commented.

At the end of the interview, a quick analysis of the prospects for the new challenge and the promise of returning to Mais Querido one day.

"Expectations are high for this new phase. I'm anxious and very excited about everything that's to come. I hope to be able to enjoy every moment within this culture and continue to qualify for the future. I really want to return to Flamengo one day, regardless of the role," she concluded.