The celebration of the sixth title doesn't stop
Players and coaching staff continue to celebrate the good season they had in 2009
By From the team at Flamengo's official website - in
2009 was a historic year for Flamengo. For the first time in its history, the club won the Campeonato Carioca and the Campeonato Brasileiro in the same season. The national title came after a 17-year drought, while the state title established the Red-Blacks as the most successful team in the competition ever, with 31 titles. Therefore, as the year draws to a close, it's time to look back at the season's triumphs.
Coach Andrade, who began the year as Cuca's assistant coach and ended it as Brazil's best coach, has experienced a variety of emotions at Maracanã. Last Sunday, his first return to the stadium since winning the sixth title on December 6th, "Tromba" couldn't hide his emotion and described the current moment in his career as "magical."
"It's always a pleasure to return to this stadium, which has been the scene of great finals and great achievements. I'm now experiencing both sides of the coin, having been a champion as a player and as a coach. It's a magical moment, and as a professional, I feel fulfilled to be here again," said the red-and-black manager.
One of the heroes of the thrilling 2-1 victory over Grêmio, defender David, who scored the equalizer in that match, took the opportunity to vent about the problems he endured before arriving at Gávea. Along with Adriano and Ronaldo Angelim, he led a lap of honor with the 2009 Brasileirão trophy at Maracanã before the ball rolled for the 'All-Star Game.'
"In one year, a lot has changed for me. I had a knee problem, couldn't play, had legal problems with my former club, and today I'm here, Brazilian champion, and participating in this beautiful party organized by Zico. I can only thank God for all of this," said the young defender.
But no one felt better about returning to Maracanã than Ronaldo Angelim. Scorer of this year's Brazilian title-winning goal, he was cheered by the more than 70 fans who watched the "All-Star Game" on Sunday. As always humble (and even sporting a new hairstyle), he stated that he would leave anywhere he was to share that moment with Zico and company.
"It's a huge thrill to be back after that wonderful party. Even more so for a game like Zico's. I'm alongside some great players. I could be on vacation anywhere and I'd still be there," said the defender, who arrived at the stadium with a changed look and made a point of explaining the lightened parts of his hair: "Whenever I win a title, I do something different with my hair. And since the fans came to party and continue the title celebration, we have to celebrate too."
Coach Andrade, who began the year as Cuca's assistant coach and ended it as Brazil's best coach, has experienced a variety of emotions at Maracanã. Last Sunday, his first return to the stadium since winning the sixth title on December 6th, "Tromba" couldn't hide his emotion and described the current moment in his career as "magical."
"It's always a pleasure to return to this stadium, which has been the scene of great finals and great achievements. I'm now experiencing both sides of the coin, having been a champion as a player and as a coach. It's a magical moment, and as a professional, I feel fulfilled to be here again," said the red-and-black manager.
One of the heroes of the thrilling 2-1 victory over Grêmio, defender David, who scored the equalizer in that match, took the opportunity to vent about the problems he endured before arriving at Gávea. Along with Adriano and Ronaldo Angelim, he led a lap of honor with the 2009 Brasileirão trophy at Maracanã before the ball rolled for the 'All-Star Game.'
"In one year, a lot has changed for me. I had a knee problem, couldn't play, had legal problems with my former club, and today I'm here, Brazilian champion, and participating in this beautiful party organized by Zico. I can only thank God for all of this," said the young defender.
But no one felt better about returning to Maracanã than Ronaldo Angelim. Scorer of this year's Brazilian title-winning goal, he was cheered by the more than 70 fans who watched the "All-Star Game" on Sunday. As always humble (and even sporting a new hairstyle), he stated that he would leave anywhere he was to share that moment with Zico and company.
"It's a huge thrill to be back after that wonderful party. Even more so for a game like Zico's. I'm alongside some great players. I could be on vacation anywhere and I'd still be there," said the defender, who arrived at the stadium with a changed look and made a point of explaining the lightened parts of his hair: "Whenever I win a title, I do something different with my hair. And since the fans came to party and continue the title celebration, we have to celebrate too."