"Capita" as inspiration for success

Welinton remembers Fabio Luciano and hopes to follow in the footsteps of the five-time champion captain with Flamengo.

By From the official website team - in 02/11/2010 às 15:32

All the defenders who have recently arrived at Flamengo have had to deal with the natural expectation of the fans to see how they would succeed Fabio Luciano. The captain of the five-time champions, who retired shortly after the victory in mid-2009, was not only a quality player on the field, but also a leader for the group, and he identified very quickly with the red and black colors.

And the story of "Capita's" achievements and success inspires a young man, who even played with him, and who is now establishing himself in Flamengo's defense under coach Vanderlei Luxemburgo. Welinton, a product of Flamengo's youth academy, is 23 years old, has a long career ahead of him, and a great desire to also write his name in Flamengo's history.

In an interview with the official website, he spoke about his current form, the influence Fabio Luciano had on his football, and the confidence he has in coach Vanderlei Luxemburgo.

Check out the full conversation below.

Fabio Luciano - I learned a lot from Fábio (Luciano), who is an exceptional guy. On the field, he was like a father to me too. He guides, explains with patience. He knows how to show the right path. He was a unique leader.

Defender-Defender - I really do have the characteristic of being a "true defender," playing without messing around and keeping it simple back there, but nowadays, I believe that keeping it simple is doing it beautifully. Vanderlei approves of this and arrived warning that there can be no messing around back there.

Future - I am an employee of the club; my transfer rights belong 100% to Flamengo until 2012, and this gives me peace of mind to work. I hope to grow and help the club achieve great things during this period.

Vanderlei Luxemburgo - He talks to everyone. Perhaps because I'm younger, he tries to give me a little more attention, teach me, and I always try to do what he asks: to be aggressive and fast. Especially in one-on-one situations with the attackers.

Competition - We have great defenders. The others are even more experienced than me, we're always together and we don't have a problem being left out so the other can play. Whoever comes in will defend Flamengo well. I can't say I'm a starter, because the coach decides. I'm working towards that.

Current situation - Thank God, everything is going well. I've been working hard, waiting for an opportunity, and it came. But I can't relax. I have to keep training harder and harder.

Youth categories – I know it's an extra incentive for those in the youth system to know that players developed at the club are being utilized. I'm happy to be an example for those coming up, and they can be sure that if they excel and work hard, they'll get their chances.