In his first year back at Flamengo, he won the Brazilian title, a title the club hadn't won in 17 years, and was also the competition's top scorer. Adriano was instrumental in helping Flamengo win a significant title in 2009, and vice versa. He helped the club win a very important title, and the club helped him regain his joy in playing football. Now, the Emperor wants more.

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The striker wants to permanently cement his name in the history of Flamengo's football. And he already knows how: by winning the Copa Libertadores. The club won the tournament in 1981, during the Zico era, and now the ultimate goal is to repeat that feat. The Emperor assures: he will do everything he can to make this dream a reality.

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"If we win this title, it will be one to go down in history. I came back, and in my first year back, I was Brazilian champion. Who knows, maybe now I'll win the Libertadores too? For me, and for Flamengo, it would be a dream come true," he said.

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Adriano believes the red-and-black players have a huge responsibility to perform well in the competition. A responsibility that, almost 30 years ago, his coach, Andrade, also shared. And, on that occasion, he achieved his goals brilliantly, winning not only the Libertadores but also the World Cup.

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"Andrade's responsibility is now ours, to represent Flamengo and Brazil well. It's about training well, starting well, and starting games in the best possible way," he said.

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The Emperor also believes that a good start in the Libertadores can make the fans and the team itself forget the elimination from the Taça Guanabara, which, according to him, is in the past, but needs to be buried with dignity.

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"For me, personally, it's very important to play in the Libertadores, especially for Flamengo. I know the responsibility of this debut, and I hope to do well to start well and help Flamengo forget the defeat to Botafogo," he concluded.