Four years have passed since Ronaldo Angelim and Juan arrived in Rio de Janeiro to join Flamengo. Interestingly, the two arrived in the Marvelous City together and, since then, have forged a bond that has gone far beyond the left side of the Flamengo defense. Residents of the South Zone, the two go to Flamengo's training camp together, ride the club bus, are roommates at training camps, and play card games together...

"We got off the plane together in Rio, took the same club van, and went to the hotel together... So, on the way there, we started talking, and that's how our friendship blossomed. Juan is one of the great friends I've made here, and to this day, he's one of the few I leave the workplace with. We focus together and do everything together. We play cards together in our free time, and on the field, we're always paying attention to each other's play. It's a perfect duo (laughs)," explained Angelim.

Known for his somewhat serious personality, Juan doesn't hide his admiration for his friend and teammate. According to him, the number 4 deserves all the recognition he's received during his career with the Sacred Mantle.

"In the first year, we talked a lot and started to focus together. Since then, we've always been with each other. I'm even biased when it comes to Angelim, because I believe that everything he has is still not enough for the person he is. He's an example not only on the field but also off it: a great person, a great defender, a humble person, and he deserves all the best in life," said the full-back.

Tactical Training – But it's not just their friendship and good relationship off the field that Juan and Ronaldo Angelim are proud of. On the field, the duo has different positions depending on each tactical scheme developed by coach Rogério Lourenço. Ronaldo Angelim explains:

"When we play with three defenders, I come out more to help him create chances. In a 4-4-2, I try to stay back a bit longer, but whenever possible, I cover his attacks and he covers mine on set pieces. It's working. Thank God, we're getting results and titles, and I hope our trajectory here at Flamengo continues like this," he said.

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This chemistry has already yielded great achievements for Flamengo. The two were champions of the 2006 Copa do Brasil, three-time Rio de Janeiro champions from 2007 to 2009, and last year's Brazilian champions. Both have even scored title-winning goals: Juan in the Copa do Brasil and Angelim in the Brasileirão.

"We always try to help each other on the field. We respect each other, we're united, and I believe this connection off the field also helps on it. We always talk about opposing teams and try to do our best for each other on the left flank. It's important to know it's working, isn't it? I'm happy about that, Angelim is too, and I hope we win many more titles together," Juan added.

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