Antônio excited about promising start in Itu
The midfielder started as a starter in the last tactical training session and promises to put in a lot of effort to stay there.
By From the team at Flamengo's official website - in
Itu (SP) - It's no secret that Flamengo's roster is packed with youth academy products. Some are more experienced, like Vinícius Pacheco, for example. Others are still very young, like Jorbison. But everyone knows the importance of wearing the red-and-black jersey and how crucial it is to work hard to establish themselves in the first team. Antônio, 21, is experiencing this moment during Flamengo's preseason in Itu.
After a long absence due to a foot injury, the player was loaned to CFZ and returned to Gávea with the approval of Zico and Rogério Lourenço during the Brazilian Championship break to join the professional squad. But he's already done more than that. On the first day of tactical training at the Spa Sport Resort, Wednesday (June 30.06), he was a starter in the team selected by the coach.
"For me, this is very important. Being here with the group is great, especially since I wasn't in the squad before the Brazilian break. Starting as a starter then... But I know it was just the first tactic. The key is to keep working hard to make the most of it and stay in the first team," analyzed Antônio.
Not only happy with the opportunities he has been receiving, the number 41 also praises his teammates, who were brought up in the youth academy and are now also in the professional team.
"Flamengo's tradition has always been to develop many players from the youth academy. Our generation is being valued now, and that's great. I'm happy to see my teammates, who have been with me for a long time at the club, having this opportunity to be in the first team as well. It's a dream come true for everyone. I know the trust that was placed in us and, consequently, the responsibility we have in wearing this shirt. I'll do my best to repay that," noted the player, who sees the experienced Maldonado as a role model for the future.
"I talked a lot with Maldonado. On the plane here, I even sat next to him and we spoke during the flight. He's an experienced player, with great quality in marking and passing the ball, and I always try to observe these characteristics of his, because they can help me in the game," he added.
After a long absence due to a foot injury, the player was loaned to CFZ and returned to Gávea with the approval of Zico and Rogério Lourenço during the Brazilian Championship break to join the professional squad. But he's already done more than that. On the first day of tactical training at the Spa Sport Resort, Wednesday (June 30.06), he was a starter in the team selected by the coach.
"For me, this is very important. Being here with the group is great, especially since I wasn't in the squad before the Brazilian break. Starting as a starter then... But I know it was just the first tactic. The key is to keep working hard to make the most of it and stay in the first team," analyzed Antônio.
Not only happy with the opportunities he has been receiving, the number 41 also praises his teammates, who were brought up in the youth academy and are now also in the professional team.
"Flamengo's tradition has always been to develop many players from the youth academy. Our generation is being valued now, and that's great. I'm happy to see my teammates, who have been with me for a long time at the club, having this opportunity to be in the first team as well. It's a dream come true for everyone. I know the trust that was placed in us and, consequently, the responsibility we have in wearing this shirt. I'll do my best to repay that," noted the player, who sees the experienced Maldonado as a role model for the future.
"I talked a lot with Maldonado. On the plane here, I even sat next to him and we spoke during the flight. He's an experienced player, with great quality in marking and passing the ball, and I always try to observe these characteristics of his, because they can help me in the game," he added.