Goals and smiles. Adriano is back to being the Emperor everyone knows. Happy and a goalscorer. That's why Flamengo's players and coaching staff are openly delighted. After a week in which the Gávea number 10 was the subject of much media speculation, he responded to his critics with a decisive performance in Sunday's (March 21.03) derby against Botafogo.

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Much loved by the red-and-black squad, Adriano received nothing but praise from his teammates. Defender Fabrício was one who didn't mince words when expressing his admiration for the Emperor.

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"We can define Adriano in one word: Emperor. This is further proof of his strength. Many people are against him, criticizing him, and he, once again, helped us a lot," he said.

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Still upset by much of the talk about him in recent days, Adriano preferred not to speak to reporters after the match. Coach Andrade understood the player's stance and asked the press to be patient.

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"Adriano is smiling and joking again. He's still part of the group. It's just a temporary thing, and he'll be speaking to the press again. He was heavily punished; they talked a lot about his private life, and he's upset. We'll give him some time to talk again," he concluded.

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With the two goals scored against Botafogo, Emperor Adriano remains Flamengo's second-highest scorer this season, with nine.