Diego Alves celebrates his return to the field: "100% recovered"

The goalkeeper also projects the Fla-Flu and comments on his debut against River Plate

By Matheus Oliveira - in 23/02/2018 às 12:22

Before the important international clash, the local derby. That's how Diego Alves thinks, the chosen one of the day to give a press conference in the Victorino Chermont Press Room after training this Friday morning (23). Despite all the climate of expectation surrounding the debut in the Conmebol Libertadores Bridgestone, the most important match is always the next one.

Fan club members have the pride of playing alongside each victory: the money goes to football and brings more reinforcements, new talent, and infrastructure to the training center. And they also have advantages in official stores to buy the jersey and wear it with pride! Click and join now.

"We have an important game against Fluminense. It's normal for this Libertadores atmosphere to be created as we're close to the match, but we'll face Fluminense first. We're focused and want to continue our upward momentum," said the Flamengo goalkeeper.

The number 1 returned to the field in the 4-0 rout of Madureira, after fracturing his collarbone in the first leg of last season's CONMEBOL Sudamericana semifinal against Junior Barranquilla. Diego analyzed his performance in the match.

"I felt great against Madureira. Against them, I was really challenged because there was a lot of footwork, direction, and command. Sometimes we limit goalkeepers' performance to just saves, and that's usually not the case. There are several situations in the game, in terms of positioning, where you need to be well-positioned to make a relatively easy save. So I feel good, 100% recovered. And I also have a good head, which helps me make the right decisions during matches," he said.

A long recovery process, initiated by professionals at Flamengo's Performance Excellence Center (CEP FLA) and complemented by goalkeeping coaches Rogério Maia and José Jober, ensured Diego Alves's return occurred at the ideal time. The star defender behind the Flamengo goal explained the path he took to his return.

"My preseason was practically perfect. For a while, I couldn't work on my upper body, so we really improved on strengthening my legs, speed, reaction, and strength. As the weeks went by, we started to introduce grip and stability, until it was time to take the fall and join the team. During that time, I didn't come in for three months without training; I was active and even trained during my vacation," he highlighted.

Watch Diego Alves' full press conference on FlaTV: