Even in Russia, where he currently plays for Spartak Moscow, midfielder Ibson hasn't forgotten his roots and the club that catapulted him to world football. "Flamengo remains a passion," the player said in an interview with Rádio Brasil on Friday afternoon.

One of the standout players in Flamengo's third state championship in 2007/08/09, the player left Gávea during the mid-year transfer window, but continues to support his former teammates. And this Saturday's match at Maracanã brings back fond memories for the player.

In 2007, Flamengo went through difficult times in the Brazilian Championship and ended the first round of the competition in the relegation zone, but recovered and finished the championship in third place, even securing a spot in the 2008 Copa Libertadores da América. And one of the people largely responsible for this comeback was Ibson.

The number 7 decided one of the most memorable matches of that campaign, against São Paulo, the Rubro-Negro's opponent tomorrow, at the same Maracanã. He scored the winning goal in a hard-fought 1-0 victory that remains in his memory to this day.

"I remember 2007 well, when I returned to Flamengo, with a packed Maracanã stadium, the team had that sensational run and we won the game 1-0, with a goal from me, and I'm very happy to be remembered for that. It was a special game, without a doubt," Ibson said in the same interview.

Now at Spartak Moscow, Ibson hasn't forgotten his Flamengo teammates. The player asserts that his inner fan still speaks loudly, even from the other side of the world, and he continues to watch his former club's matches whenever possible. "I've been following the team, watching the games, and I'm happy to see the team playing well, recovering under Andrade, who is a great person and a great coach. He changed the formation, and the team fit together well. Zé Roberto, for example, is returning to being the player we all know, and I'm very happy for him and the entire team," he said.

The player also took the opportunity to heap praise on his friend Adriano, who, he says, deserves the comeback he's achieved in his career, both with Flamengo and with the Brazilian national team. "Adriano is a great player, a great friend, and I'm happy he's rediscovered his best form. He's a player with a storied history at the club, and I hope he continues to score many goals for Flamengo. I'm certain that, given everything he's done and is doing again, he should play in the World Cup."