Petkovic's responsibility
Serbian midfielder knows that his role is to be the leader of the young red-black squad in the Brasileirão
By From the team at Flamengo's official website - in
Itu (SP) - When he returned to Flamengo in May of last year, Petkovic was viewed with suspicion by many football critics. But while some believed Petkovic was finished with football, he always had the support of 35 million fans. Still grateful for his fourth-ever goal in 2001, they trusted that, now wearing the number 43 jersey, he would show the same style of football he had eight years earlier. And he did, playing a key role in the team's run to a sixth Brazilian championship title.
Even more of an idol and with an even greater responsibility, the 38-year-old midfielder knows he needs to be a leader for the young Red-Black squad in the second half of this season. The most experienced player in the squad, the Serbian knows he will have the mission of being the group's key player, especially after the departures of Adriano and Vagner Love, and says he's comfortable living up to expectations.
In an exclusive interview with Flamengo's official website, the player discussed his glorious past and made predictions about his future with the club. Check out the full interview below.
Leadership - I've always felt the responsibility of being a leader, and I enjoy it. I've had that spirit since I was younger, so imagine now, when I'm older? But I've always excelled in these situations. With confidence, professionalism, and hard work, I believe this group has what it takes to have a good run in the second half of the year. Whoever's here has what it takes to wear this jersey. The only thing left is to seize the opportunities and make the most of the time we have to prove ourselves.
Flamengo - Flamengo is a club with which I deeply identified. It wasn't my first club in Brazil, but it was my first in Rio de Janeiro, where I achieved great results. I won important titles, became idolized by the fans, and this recognition only strengthens me. I was very happy to return last year and help them win the Brazilian Championship after 17 years. Now I have the mission of being one of the leaders of this group, and I will do my best to continue helping.
Unforgettable Games - I've certainly helped decide many matches, but this one against Vasco is undoubtedly one of the most unforgettable. The feeling I felt when I scored that goal is indescribable. But I've also won three other titles, including last year's Brazilian Championship, and I've also played other good games. What matters is this: the dedication and honor I feel when wearing this Sacred Mantle.
Brazilian Championship - We know our responsibility is great this year. We enter as the defending champions, and everyone will want to take points from us. We fully deserve the 2009 title, and we must have a campaign worthy of it this year. We will defend our title, and we are aware of how difficult it will be, but we will do everything we can to achieve it.
Cast - The squad is quality, reinforcements are arriving, and with patience, we can achieve our goals. Only seven rounds of the competition have been played, and it's still in its early stages, but we need to start collecting points as soon as possible. We want to compete in another Copa Libertadores next year, and to achieve that, we have to approach every game as if it were a final, always aiming for the three points.
Kids - We have young players with a lot of talent and potential, and it's up to us, the more experienced players, to guide them so they can develop and help us, because they can be very interesting options in the squad. It's important to mix more experienced players with young players. And they already have a great relationship with the squad, which makes adaptation easier.
Check out the photo gallery on Flamengo's Official Website
Even more of an idol and with an even greater responsibility, the 38-year-old midfielder knows he needs to be a leader for the young Red-Black squad in the second half of this season. The most experienced player in the squad, the Serbian knows he will have the mission of being the group's key player, especially after the departures of Adriano and Vagner Love, and says he's comfortable living up to expectations.
In an exclusive interview with Flamengo's official website, the player discussed his glorious past and made predictions about his future with the club. Check out the full interview below.
Leadership - I've always felt the responsibility of being a leader, and I enjoy it. I've had that spirit since I was younger, so imagine now, when I'm older? But I've always excelled in these situations. With confidence, professionalism, and hard work, I believe this group has what it takes to have a good run in the second half of the year. Whoever's here has what it takes to wear this jersey. The only thing left is to seize the opportunities and make the most of the time we have to prove ourselves.
Flamengo - Flamengo is a club with which I deeply identified. It wasn't my first club in Brazil, but it was my first in Rio de Janeiro, where I achieved great results. I won important titles, became idolized by the fans, and this recognition only strengthens me. I was very happy to return last year and help them win the Brazilian Championship after 17 years. Now I have the mission of being one of the leaders of this group, and I will do my best to continue helping.
Unforgettable Games - I've certainly helped decide many matches, but this one against Vasco is undoubtedly one of the most unforgettable. The feeling I felt when I scored that goal is indescribable. But I've also won three other titles, including last year's Brazilian Championship, and I've also played other good games. What matters is this: the dedication and honor I feel when wearing this Sacred Mantle.
Brazilian Championship - We know our responsibility is great this year. We enter as the defending champions, and everyone will want to take points from us. We fully deserve the 2009 title, and we must have a campaign worthy of it this year. We will defend our title, and we are aware of how difficult it will be, but we will do everything we can to achieve it.
Cast - The squad is quality, reinforcements are arriving, and with patience, we can achieve our goals. Only seven rounds of the competition have been played, and it's still in its early stages, but we need to start collecting points as soon as possible. We want to compete in another Copa Libertadores next year, and to achieve that, we have to approach every game as if it were a final, always aiming for the three points.
Kids - We have young players with a lot of talent and potential, and it's up to us, the more experienced players, to guide them so they can develop and help us, because they can be very interesting options in the squad. It's important to mix more experienced players with young players. And they already have a great relationship with the squad, which makes adaptation easier.
Check out the photo gallery on Flamengo's Official Website