He can play as a defensive midfielder, midfielder, and even left-back. Upon his return to Flamengo, Leo Medeiros wants nothing more than to establish himself at Flamengo, regardless of his position. After experiencing ups and downs at Gávea, the player was loaned out in recent seasons, but returned to the club in 2010 to demonstrate his quality and try to become an important part of coach Andrade's squad.

\

This versatility could earn him a spot in the starting lineup against Duque de Caxias on Sunday at 17 p.m., Flamengo's season opener. He's expected to replace Juan at left-back, and he sees no problem with that.

\

"I've played left-back a few times and I don't see any problems. I played several matches in that position with Joel and felt good. Andrade hasn't confirmed anything yet, and we'll wait for tomorrow's training session to find out if I'll start. Playing for Flamengo is a huge responsibility, but I've been here for a while and I'm ready."

\

The player even gives the recipe for Sunday's match. The main ingredient? Intelligence.

\

"A lot of people stayed and those who are coming in already know each other, which makes it easier to get along. I believe it will be very hot on Sunday and we have to play intelligently, trying not to miss passes and maintain possession of the ball," he explained.

\

Competing for the fourth Rio de Janeiro state championship, the seventh (and second consecutive) Brazilian championship, and the second Libertadores title, Leo Medeiros envisions a season of many victories with Flamengo. The player emphasizes the strength of the Flamengo squad and believes in the best Rio de Janeiro state championship in recent years.

\

"It's certainly a privilege to return from a loan spell with an opportunity in the team. It's always very important to start the year playing and showing your work. Flamengo maintained the core of last year and will go strong to win the title. The other teams have also strengthened, and we will have the best championship in recent years," he analyzed.

\

In recent years, Leo Medeiros has been loaned to Atlético Paranaense and Bahia. At Tricolor, he became one of the team's standouts, but even so, he reveals: from afar, he still supports Flamengo. According to him, the time away has made him realize, even more, how great it is to wear the Gávea team's jersey.

\

My departure was important for promoting Flamengo. I saw how great it is to play for a great team with a huge fan base. I'm proud to be wearing the Flamengo jersey today. I missed the entire coaching staff and the friends I made here. I was cheering for the team in the Brazilian Championship from afar," he concluded.