Through ups and downs, applause and boos, great plays and unusual moments, Obina, whether his critics like it or not, wrote his name in Flamengo's history while wearing the red-and-black jersey. During his five years defending the club's colors, he had some remarkable moments. Now, back at Gávea, he hopes to win back the fans' favor, and he already knows the formula for that: scoring goals.

\

In 2005, he saved the team from relegation. The following year, he scored in the Copa do Brasil final. In 2007, he scored in the Guanabara Cup semifinal before suffering a serious knee injury. He returned to form in 2008, scoring twice in the state championship final. But 2009 was a bad year. Obina didn't score a single goal in the first half of the year, was heavily booed by the fans, and ended up being loaned to Palmeiras, where he excelled until his contract was terminated due to a fight with former teammate Maurício. The poor season, however, is now in the past for Obina, who has his first chance to shine again in red and black this Sunday.

\

"It's going to be a very important game for my stay. I'm more mature, I know what I can do, and it's a new life. Scoring goals and winning back the fans. We're going to fight for the title, as always. Few have won the fourth title. I've been in the last three Carioca championships, and if possible, I want to be in the fourth," says Obina, who replaces Adriano, who is injured, in the match against Caxias, today at 17 p.m., at Maracanã.

\

Because of everything he's accomplished at Flamengo, Obina has the trust of coach Andrade and his teammates. Young Erick Flores, who will play alongside him, assures that playing with Obina is an honor and that he'll do everything he can to help his teammate score the goals he needs to once again become the nation's "Black Angel."

\

"Obina is a great player and playing alongside him is easy. I'll play a little further back and help him so he can score," explains Erick.

\

Flamengo plays its first official match of 2010 this Sunday afternoon. At 17 p.m., coach Andrade's team faces Duque de Caxias in a match valid for the first round of the Campeonato Carioca.