David dreams of a chance in the classic
The defender still doesn't know if he'll start, but promises to be committed if he's selected.
By From the team at Flamengo's official website - in
A right calf injury has made Álvaro doubtful for Sunday's Taça Rio final against Botafogo at Maracanã. Therefore, expectations are high among his replacements. One, in particular, has worked hard in Rio de Janeiro in recent days and sees a possible starting spot in the Taça Rio final as an opportunity to turn things around with Flamengo.
David, who scored one of the goals in the 2-1 victory over Grêmio in the match that decided Flamengo's 2009 Brazilian title, didn't travel to Santiago with the group and was left biting his nails watching the loss to Universidad Católica on television. On Sunday, he hopes to take the field and help Flamengo win another title.
"I don't know if I'll start playing, but if I do get on the field, I'll be very happy to help Flamengo once again. I'm not going to lie. Of course, every time I go back to Maracanã I remember that goal, and if I can be part of another Flamengo victory, doing my best back there, and who knows, maybe helping in attack too, it will be great," he said.
One of the players most closely identified with the fans, David receives many messages of support from the Red-Black Nation on his Twitter profile. Delighted by the recognition, he thanks them and promises to reciprocate the affection on the field.
"I'm very grateful for the support from the fans and the people on Twitter, who always send me so many messages, and I hope to reciprocate that on the field. I was very well treated and very well received by the fans here, and, whenever possible, I will continue fighting to give more titles to this Nation," he said.
Competition – The battle for Álvaro's position, should he indeed miss the derby, has two favorites. Besides David, Fabrício could also play alongside Ronaldo Angelim. Coach Andrade also has Wellinton and Rômulo running outside of the starting lineup. David has nothing but praise for all of them.
"If I'm chosen, I'll try to perform as well as possible, but I know the competition is fierce. There's Fabrício, who even played in Chile, Wellinton, Rômulo, who's also training as a defender now... They're all good players who have the ability to step up if needed," he added.
Approaching his 23rd birthday on May 21st, David has already played 19 matches for Flamengo. He scored one goal, received nine yellow cards, and was sent off once. With him on the field, Flamengo won 12 games, drew five, and lost only two.
David, who scored one of the goals in the 2-1 victory over Grêmio in the match that decided Flamengo's 2009 Brazilian title, didn't travel to Santiago with the group and was left biting his nails watching the loss to Universidad Católica on television. On Sunday, he hopes to take the field and help Flamengo win another title.
"I don't know if I'll start playing, but if I do get on the field, I'll be very happy to help Flamengo once again. I'm not going to lie. Of course, every time I go back to Maracanã I remember that goal, and if I can be part of another Flamengo victory, doing my best back there, and who knows, maybe helping in attack too, it will be great," he said.
One of the players most closely identified with the fans, David receives many messages of support from the Red-Black Nation on his Twitter profile. Delighted by the recognition, he thanks them and promises to reciprocate the affection on the field.
"I'm very grateful for the support from the fans and the people on Twitter, who always send me so many messages, and I hope to reciprocate that on the field. I was very well treated and very well received by the fans here, and, whenever possible, I will continue fighting to give more titles to this Nation," he said.
Competition – The battle for Álvaro's position, should he indeed miss the derby, has two favorites. Besides David, Fabrício could also play alongside Ronaldo Angelim. Coach Andrade also has Wellinton and Rômulo running outside of the starting lineup. David has nothing but praise for all of them.
"If I'm chosen, I'll try to perform as well as possible, but I know the competition is fierce. There's Fabrício, who even played in Chile, Wellinton, Rômulo, who's also training as a defender now... They're all good players who have the ability to step up if needed," he added.
Approaching his 23rd birthday on May 21st, David has already played 19 matches for Flamengo. He scored one goal, received nine yellow cards, and was sent off once. With him on the field, Flamengo won 12 games, drew five, and lost only two.