After training on Friday (13), Darío Conca was officially presented as another of the Flamengo reinforcements for the upcoming season. The midfielder arrives on loan until the end of 2017 and will wear the Sacred Mantle with number 19. Recovering from injury, the Argentine star will use the facilities at Flamengo's Performance Excellence Center in order to be ready to play again as soon as possible.
Conca gave a press conference alongside football director Rodrigo Caetado, the head of the red-black Medical Department, Doctor Márcio Tannure, and president Eduardo Bandeira de Mello, who said a few words about the signing.
"Darío Conca is coming to help us and honor the Sacred Mantle. It's a long-held dream of our fans, which is now coming true. He's coming to finish his recovery at our Center of Excellence, so that we can soon be seeing Conca playing, providing assists, and scoring the goals our fans have been yearning for all this time," said Bandeira de Mello, who then expressed his gratitude to the Flamengo members. "If it weren't for Flamengo's membership program, we certainly wouldn't be here presenting Conca. I also come to ask that the 40 million Flamengo fans continue to support our membership program, so that we can repeat what we're doing here today, time and time again," he concluded.
Football director Rodrigo Caetano commented on what the Argentine midfielder will bring to the group, adding experience and serving as an inspiration for the younger players.
"Flamengo never considered not having him, even during his recovery, because of everything he represents for Brazilian football on the field and also, I can speak from experience, for what he represents off it. We're not just bringing in another great player, we're also bringing in a great professional with great character. A great human figure who, even during this recovery period, will be a great help to us, especially for the younger players. He's a role model for all the young players in the professional squad, as well as for the more experienced players," said Caetano.
Next, the director commented on some details of the contract of the new red-black reinforcement, revealing sacrifices made by the athlete to be able to wear the Sacred Mantle and enjoy the entire new structure of the CT's professional module.
"He's on loan until the end of the year. Conca made a personal effort to be here. Everyone knows he'll only start receiving compensation from Flamengo when he starts playing. With these details, you can already understand how important his decision was," praised Rodrigo, who praised the club's new status on the international stage. "It's an added value for Flamengo's members and sponsors, understanding what the club represents in world football. Today, we are chosen by these great athletes. He chose us, just as we've always had our doors open to him," he added.
Closing the opening remarks of the press conference, it was the star's turn to speak. Conca expressed his gratitude to the Gávea club for the opportunity and promised to do his utmost to honor the colors of the Most Beloved.
"I'm very happy to be here with my teammates and also with the fans, who welcomed me so warmly. I'm going through a difficult time in my career, and Flamengo opened its doors to me. It's a great joy for me and my family. The planning was perfect. Playing for Flamengo will be a source of pride for me. I hope to give everything I can," said Conca. The number 19 then spoke about his expectations for 2017. "I have a year left on my contract, in which I'll try to play my best. I want to be in good shape to reward the people who are helping me through this time. Wearing another great Brazilian football jersey is important for me and for my career. I can only say thank you and I guarantee that I will fight hard for the good of Flamengo," he concluded.
The red-black squad becomes even stronger for the upcoming season.