With the preparation of Mais Querido for the next challenge in the Brazilian Championship, against the Grêmio team, completed, center forward Leandro Damião was present at the Victorino Chermont Press Room, at Ninho do Urubu, to give a press conference. An old acquaintance of this Thursday's opponent (13), the number 18 analyzed the match, which will be played at Ilha do Urubu.

Damião praised the atmosphere created by the fans at the club's stadium, emphasizing the importance of this support, especially during the Mais Querido's most difficult moments in matches. Praise was also given to the positive atmosphere within the squad. According to the athlete, the group's warm welcome helps newcomers adapt to the club even more quickly.

It's definitely a very difficult game. They've been playing well, and Zé has been studying their team. I like watching football and have been following it too; I've known Grêmio for a long time. I hope the home advantage can help us, that the fans push us like they have at home. I hope we can put in a great performance. It will be against a great team, but we need to show respect and play with humility to win.

Unfortunately, Paolo got a yellow card. He's a great player who has helped us a lot, but I'm also here to help. I've always said, since signing my contract, that I would give my all for Flamengo, both in games and in training. It's difficult for any player to be out of action, but I'm here to help. I hope I can play well tomorrow and that we can win, which is the most important thing.

I've always had some luck scoring a lot of goals for Grêmio, but I don't have any rivalry with them. I have friends there too. I hope I can continue to have that luck tomorrow.

We managed to find our home; that's what we needed. We played on a very good pitch that Flamengo provided for us, and they deserve congratulations for that. We found our game not only there, but also away from home. The team has grown steadily under Zé, and it's shown. Plus, there's the added bonus of the fans being so close. They help us a lot, pushing us, especially when the game is tight.

Since Grêmio is close to us, we're talking about six points, but the Brasileirão has some very difficult games. Sometimes, the teams that are at the bottom also make our game difficult. Therefore, the most important thing is to always win the next match. At the beginning of the championship, we started at the bottom, but now we're at the top, and I hope we can stay there.

I think it's great. We have to congratulate Flamengo, who are entering this scene. Last month, there was a final here in Rio de Janeiro, and a friend stopped by my house and said he came just for that. This will definitely be a positive thing for Flamengo, especially given their strong fan base. The best will always want to play for them.

He's a great friend of mine, dating back to our Santos days. He's a great player and a great person. He's very happy about the birth of his son, Bernardo. Our group is also very supportive. They embrace newcomers in a way that makes the player feel at home. He's ready to play, and that will depend on Zé. There are many quality players in his position, and I think it'll be a good fight and something that will greatly benefit Flamengo.