Still in Greece, Diogo sends a message to Flamengo fans
In an interview with the club's official website, the striker shows excitement and respect for the club's history.
By From the team at Flamengo's official website - in
When he signed a one-year loan deal with Flamengo, Diogo already knew he was about to face perhaps the biggest challenge of his life. A promising striker who left Brazil highly valued, he promised the Flamengo fans a lot of commitment and dedication. After all, he knows a bit about the history of the current Brazilian champion and the club's greatest idol, Zico, who once coached him.
In an exclusive interview with Flamengo's official website, Diogo made a point of emphasizing that not only the fans were happy with his signing. He can't stop thinking about what it will be like wearing the sacred jersey for the first time in front of Brazil's biggest fan base.
"I'm very happy with this deal. Very happy indeed. Besides playing for the most popular club in the country, I'm arriving with Flamengo defending the title. It's a great honor for me to wear this shirt," he said.
Away from Brazil for two seasons, the young striker isn't worried about the pressure he's already experiencing at big clubs like Flamengo. He revealed that he even likes his "future teammate."
"At a club like Flamengo, there's no way to avoid pressure. And I find that enjoyable. I believe being a soccer player wouldn't be as enjoyable if it weren't for that. It would lose some of its appeal," said Diogo, who was highly praised by Zico.
"I don't even have words to thank him for what he said about me. I'm young, I didn't see him play, but from the videos, I think he was the greatest Brazilian player of all time. Second only to Pelé. It's a great honor to be praised by him."
And anyone who thinks Diogo will take a while to gel with the red-and-black squad is completely mistaken. Extremely excited about the opportunity, the player will also have two former teammates to count on.
"I already know David, who played with me in the youth teams, and Leandro Amaral, who was at Portuguesa when I moved up to the professional team. They will undoubtedly help me integrate with the squad," he explained.
Having played in Greek football for two years, the striker briefly analyzed his performances, remembering his first season and trying to erase the problems of the second.
"My arrival at Olympiakos was very good. I believe I performed better than anyone expected, scoring many goals and providing many assists. We managed to win the Greek Championship and the Greek Cup. For me, it was a great victory, as I arrived in a very different country and without speaking the language. However, in my second season, I ended up getting injured and played very little. Even when Zico was there, I didn't play much due to injuries."
Having recovered and participated in the entire preseason with Olympiakos, Diogo hopes to be back on the field soon, but he's not going to go too far in promising things. He's down-to-earth, praising the fans, who he says are famous worldwide, and plans to work hard.
"Everyone who talks to me about Flamengo mentions the good atmosphere among the players and the great fans, which are truly wonderful. I arrive promising a lot of dedication and commitment, that's all. Things happen naturally if we dedicate ourselves. I was playing here in Greece. I participated in two friendlies and I think I'm in good physical shape. I'm just a little behind the Flamengo players in terms of chemistry and game rhythm. But I'll work hard to reach their level," Diogo concluded.
The attacker's presentation should take place next week, as well as that of Deivid, another red-black signing.
In an exclusive interview with Flamengo's official website, Diogo made a point of emphasizing that not only the fans were happy with his signing. He can't stop thinking about what it will be like wearing the sacred jersey for the first time in front of Brazil's biggest fan base.
"I'm very happy with this deal. Very happy indeed. Besides playing for the most popular club in the country, I'm arriving with Flamengo defending the title. It's a great honor for me to wear this shirt," he said.
Away from Brazil for two seasons, the young striker isn't worried about the pressure he's already experiencing at big clubs like Flamengo. He revealed that he even likes his "future teammate."
"At a club like Flamengo, there's no way to avoid pressure. And I find that enjoyable. I believe being a soccer player wouldn't be as enjoyable if it weren't for that. It would lose some of its appeal," said Diogo, who was highly praised by Zico.
"I don't even have words to thank him for what he said about me. I'm young, I didn't see him play, but from the videos, I think he was the greatest Brazilian player of all time. Second only to Pelé. It's a great honor to be praised by him."
And anyone who thinks Diogo will take a while to gel with the red-and-black squad is completely mistaken. Extremely excited about the opportunity, the player will also have two former teammates to count on.
"I already know David, who played with me in the youth teams, and Leandro Amaral, who was at Portuguesa when I moved up to the professional team. They will undoubtedly help me integrate with the squad," he explained.
Having played in Greek football for two years, the striker briefly analyzed his performances, remembering his first season and trying to erase the problems of the second.
"My arrival at Olympiakos was very good. I believe I performed better than anyone expected, scoring many goals and providing many assists. We managed to win the Greek Championship and the Greek Cup. For me, it was a great victory, as I arrived in a very different country and without speaking the language. However, in my second season, I ended up getting injured and played very little. Even when Zico was there, I didn't play much due to injuries."
Having recovered and participated in the entire preseason with Olympiakos, Diogo hopes to be back on the field soon, but he's not going to go too far in promising things. He's down-to-earth, praising the fans, who he says are famous worldwide, and plans to work hard.
"Everyone who talks to me about Flamengo mentions the good atmosphere among the players and the great fans, which are truly wonderful. I arrive promising a lot of dedication and commitment, that's all. Things happen naturally if we dedicate ourselves. I was playing here in Greece. I participated in two friendlies and I think I'm in good physical shape. I'm just a little behind the Flamengo players in terms of chemistry and game rhythm. But I'll work hard to reach their level," Diogo concluded.
The attacker's presentation should take place next week, as well as that of Deivid, another red-black signing.
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