Establishing a career at a big club like Flamengo isn't easy. And Vinícius Pacheco knows this well. A product of his youth at Gávea, he was loaned out to Paraná, Ipatinga, Belenenses-POR, and Figueirense before enjoying this great moment with the red-and-black jersey. But he never lost heart, drawing inspiration from a role model within the group itself: coach Andrade.

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Before establishing himself in the midfield considered by all Flamengo fans to be the best in the club's history, alongside Adílio and Zico, "Tromba" (Tromba), still a boy, also experienced a similar situation: he was loaned out to gain experience. After his return, however, he remained in Flamengo's starting lineup, where he won four Brazilian championships, a Libertadores, and the World Cup.

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"What's happening to me today also happened to Professor Andrade. When he was a player and was promoted to the professional ranks, he was loaned out, did well at other clubs, and when he returned, he ended up establishing himself. I hope to follow the same path as him," said Pacheco.

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Satisfied with the recognition from fans and critics, and happy with the opportunities he has been receiving to showcase his work, the midfielder believes that Flamengo's team this year is even stronger than the one that won the sixth Brazilian championship in 2009.

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"I think so (it's stronger). They (board members) brought in Vágner Love, and I also came back strong. Other players have arrived, like Fernando. Juan is coming back from injury, and there's Léo Moura... It's a renewed, stronger Flamengo. It has everything it needs to have a great year like 2009," he said.

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And, as a little superstition is always welcome in Gávea, the player guarantees that he will never give up the number 22 shirt, which brings back fond memories for fans of Marcinho and Everton, who wore this number in 2008 and 2009, respectively, and did very well.

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"I wasn't even the one who chose the number. They gave it to me and I didn't see a problem using it. The other day they told me it's been good luck, right? I hope to continue keeping this tradition," he concluded.