After much anticipation, goalkeeper Diego Alves has finally arrived at Flamengo. Diego wanted to return to Brazil, and Flamengo wanted to secure another big name. The timing was perfect, and the relationship turned into marriage. The signed contract will run until the end of 2020 (three and a half years), and the number he will wear has not yet been determined. 

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The president of Clube de Regatas do Flamengo, Eduardo Bandeira de Mello, opened the press conference in the Salão Nobre da Gávea by introducing the player and thanking the Supporting Members, who were key players in the signing. 

"Diego was our dream come true; the fans had wanted him for some time. Like all good things, the hiring process took a while. But with the support of the Sócio Torcedor program and Rodrigo Caetano's efforts, everything worked out. If it weren't for the fan club members, we wouldn't be investing in football like this," said president Bandeira.  

Next, Football Director Rodrigo Caetano spoke and, in his statement, highlighted the player's desire as a determining factor in the negotiation. 

"I received a call from Diego, and it was he who took the initiative to leave Valencia, which made his arrival here possible today. For us, it's a source of pride, as it shows how Flamengo's work, on and off the field, attracts top athletes," said Caetano. 

In his first interview, Diego said he's not just a "penalty kick taker," but also spoke about his expectations for playing for the Mais Querido and Flamengo's current situation. Check out the main takeaways from the press conference below. 

First words like Rubro-Negro 

We've had some difficult weeks of negotiations, and I'd like to thank everyone who helped make this dream a reality. When I first contacted Flamengo, I had interest from other European teams, but from the moment Flamengo joined, the conversations were clear, and that was one of the reasons I returned to Brazil. This is in addition to my long-standing desire to wear the Manto. It's the club that attracts any player in the world because of its grandeur and what it represents. 

Penalty taker 

I know it's a hotly debated topic, but I take it in stride. You have to ask the penalty takers if they're afraid to take a penalty against me (laughs). I don't like penalty situations in games, but I'm always prepared.

Selection 

I came to Flamengo with Flamengo in mind. My professional career at Flamengo. The national team is a reward for the player's achievements at their club. I was called up by Atlético, Almeria, and Valencia, and I'll work towards that here. 

Why Flamengo? 

Flamengo's project is very serious. It's been under construction for years and attracts a lot of attention. It's a project that also thinks about the future. I don't even need to talk about the history. I want to help the club grow and be part of this project.

cheering 

There was a hack on my social media, but when I participated in some programs a few days ago, everything I said about playing here was true. And this hack made me happy. Even though I play for another club, the nation's support helped me make this decision. 

Physical form and debut 

The bureaucratic part is being resolved. Many paperwork still needs to be exchanged between the clubs. I was training hard during the holidays. I stopped to rest for a few days, but I wasn't idle. I want to train well with the team and meet the goalkeeping coach, but I'll do my best to be ready as soon as possible. 

Getting to know the team

It was quick, because we were sorting out bureaucratic matters. But I managed to have an initial contact, and I reconnected with friends like Márcio Araújo, who played with me at Atlético Mineiro, Everton, Diego... I was very well received. All the contact I'm having with the players and the board has been very positive. 

Shirt number 

Rodrigo is working on this issue, but I'll look into it calmly and without any problems. Whatever is chosen is a good choice. 

Friendship with Márcio Araújo 

At Atlético, he played consistently, and that quickly demonstrated his importance. The group adores him; he's a hard worker. Criticism is always present; it's part of football, but he knows his worth and what a professional he is. 

Origins and friendship with Muralha 

I've known Alex Muralha since he played for Votorantim. I've always been close to him, seen him training, a goalkeeper who's already made it to the national team and deserves all the praise. 

I was born here in Rio, but we moved early and toured Brazil. My family is from Ribeirão Preto, but my ID says I'm from Rio. 

Flamengo's Moment 

When we talk about Flamengo, we talk about titles. History demands it. There's still a long way to go, but it's important to know that Flamengo is on a par with titles. We have a chance to experience great joy at the end of the year. 

From the first conversation I had with Rodrigo, everything he told me was what I'd heard from the players. He was very frank, and that influenced my decision a lot. And regarding the games, I did watch them. We suffer more away from home than at home. And I cheered a lot. 

Nickname for chubby in childhood 

To this day, they call me X-Tudo in Ribeirão. I had facial paralysis and underwent corticosteroid treatment, which caused my swelling. But it motivated me, because I wanted to show people that I could play and become a soccer player.