From the past, only the good football and the smile on his face remain. Thiago Neves arrived at Flamengo, donned the sacred jersey, and has already realized that being an athlete for the club is different. In his first press conference as a Flamengo player, he made a point of thanking the fans for the affection he has already received and took the opportunity to say that he will spare no effort to win titles. As a consequence, he will also gain more space in the hearts of the nation.

Arrival nervousness
"I confess I'm nervous. I watched Ronaldinho's entire presentation yesterday (Wednesday) on TV. I arrived at the club early this morning and felt a thrill from the reception. It's different, spectacular, to wear this shirt. I'm still in shock, but it will pass soon. The fans might be a little skeptical at first, but I'll give my answer on the field. I ask for a little patience. I'm used to pressure and I know I'll have it here at Flamengo," said Thiago Neves, already in his uniform.

Last season
I had a great season. Maybe it didn't show up here in Brazil, but I'm using that as a reference. I don't want to repeat last year's achievements, but rather do even more at Flamengo. I want to win titles.

Back to the national team
"My desire is this: to win titles with Flamengo and to wear the Brazilian national team jersey again. I need to prove that I'm capable of doing that. The national team will be a consequence of my work at Flamengo."

Negotiation
My flirtation with Flamengo started in the middle of last year. I had already finalized everything with the club a long time ago. I wasn't released because we were going to compete in a very important competition in the second half of the year, but everything worked out in the end, thank God.

Apologies for dancing at the Fla x Flu match.
First, I'd like to explain to everyone. There was no controversy or provocation. I was playing for another club and I was celebrating one of my goals. I apologize to the Flamengo fans. And I will continue celebrating my goals, as I always have. Always respecting, of course, my opponents.

Ronaldinho
It will be special to play alongside him, who has already been elected the best in the world twice. I already had the opportunity to play in the Olympics (2008). It will be very good for me and for all the Flamengo players. I hope I can help him. Not only him, but the whole team.

To be a supporting character
I see no problem with that at all. It's important to say that Ronaldinho will need the entire Flamengo team. Just as the team will need them. Everyone will have an important role. Me, Léo Moura, him, and the other teammates. The important thing is that together we can win titles for the club.

better positioning
I don't have any preference. Whether in midfield or attack, I want to help. That's for Luxemburgo to decide. The only thing I asked the club for is to use the number 7 shirt, which I knew was available. I wore that number last year and did very well.

Physical form
I don't know when I'll play, as that's decided by the coaching staff. But I played on December 23rd. I'm feeling very good. I'm waiting for Melo's (Flamengo's physical trainer) assessment to see if I can make my debut in the first game of the year.

Luxembourg
It's a great honor to work with him. Luxemburgo has already proven himself a winner, having won titles at every club he's been at, and it won't be any different here. I hope to do everything I can to bring those achievements to him, to the club, and to the fans. He has everything he needs to repeat the victorious seasons he's had elsewhere.