25 men and one goal: the second championship

The football department has announced the squad that will compete in the Copa Libertadores da América.

By Press Office and Official Website Team - in 22/02/2010 às 18:31

The secret is out. Finally, Flamengo fans can now find out who their 25 representatives will be in the arduous battle for the second Copa Libertadores title. The list of players registered for the competition was released this Monday by the football department and contains little new information. The core of the squad is the same one that won the Brazilian championship in 2009.

The biggest surprise is the registration of only three forwards: Vagner Love, Adriano, and Bruno Mezenga. Gil and Denis Marques are left out. The vacancy that would have been for a fourth forward ended up being filled by a fifth defender: Welinton, who joined Álvaro, Ronaldo Angelim, David, and Fabrício in the defense. Reinforcements Rodrigo Alvim and Michael are also on the list. Ramón will not be registered. In his place, young Lenon enters. Another name that was the subject of doubts, but is registered, is Maldonado. The number 13 is recovering from a knee injury, but is confirmed for the Libertadores.

There are also some new additions to the numbering. Petkovic returns to the number 7 jersey, which he wore during the Copa Sudamericana, and center forward Bruno Mezenga will wear number 11. Alvim will be number 21, and Michael will be number 25. The third goalkeeper, Paulo Victor, will wear number 24. The number 12 jersey, retired in honor of the fans according to competition regulations, will have to be used, and it will be worn by Marcelo Lomba. See the list, with the numbers, below.

1 - Bruno

2 - Leonardo Moura

3 - Alvaro

4 - Ronaldo Angelim

5 - Thunderstorm

6 - Juan

7 - Petkovic

8 - Williams

9 - Vagner Love

10 - Adriano

11 - Bruno Mezenga

12 - Marcelo Lomba