The slogan is overused, but there's no better phrase to represent the current Flamengo squad than "Craque: o Flamengo não pode em casa" (Craque: Flamengo does it at home). The group returned last Tuesday at Gávea with 33 players. Of these, 17 were trained at the club itself. Later, Adriano, also raised at Flamengo, and the recently signed Fernando arrived, along with youngsters Marcelo Carné and Vitor Saba, who were promoted.

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Petkovic is also part of the squad, but has not yet reported. Therefore, the group has a total of 38 players, 20 of whom are from the Rubro-Negro youth academy. Goalkeepers Marcelo Lomba, Paulo Victor, and Marcelo Carné; full-backs Egídio and Vitor Saba; defenders Wellinton, Marlon, and Fabrício; midfielders Rômulo, Lenon, Antônio, and Pecka; midfielders Renan Silva, William Amendoim, Vinícius Pacheco, Guilherme Camacho, and Erick Flores; and forwards Paulo Sérgio, Bruno Mezenga, and Adriano.

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"I believe that identifying with the club is essential in a year as important as this. Not only players brought up in the youth academy, but also others who are Flamengo fans and have already made history for the club, such as Leo Moura, Bruno, Petkovic... This group has the face of Flamengo and that is very important," analyzed goalkeeper Paulo Victor, Carioca and OPG Junior Cup champion in 2007, two-time professional state champion, in 2008 and 2009, and Brazilian champion last season.

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Having players who came up through the ranks promoted to the professional team has always been a hallmark of Clube de Regatas do Flamengo's history. In the club's greatest achievements in its 114-year history, the youth academy has always played a fundamental role. In 1981, when it conquered the Americas and the World Cup, for example, Flamengo had practically an entire team assembled at Gávea.

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"Flamengo has always had a lot of youth players in the professional squad, and that's really cool. Everyone who comes up through the youth ranks dreams of making it to the top team and getting an opportunity," said midfielder Camacho.

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Three athletes who are in the Brazilian Under-20 team, Rafael Galhardo, Jorbison and Diego Maurício, can also be integrated into this red-black squad, in addition to midfielder João Vitor, a standout player on the team that is competing in the 41st edition of the São Paulo Junior Cup.

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"Flamengo has lost important players, but they still have a very good squad. We have good young players, with quality and a desire to find space. I'm sure they will help the group overcome the absences," added the experienced Kleberson.