Against Vitória in Salvador, the Mais Querido pulled off a thrilling 2-1 comeback in the final moments of the match. The victory guaranteed the Rio de Janeiro club's direct qualification to the group stage of the Copa Libertadores. Diego scored from the penalty spot, sealing the final score. After long trips and a grueling week, the first reward he had hoped for at the end of the season arrived, according to the star.

"I have a commitment to this club. As long as I'm able, I'll give my best, and that's my obligation. Today, in the game, there was no way I could afford to leave, to hold back. I really pushed myself beyond my limits, and we were rewarded. I'm not the only one making this effort, it's worth making clear. The whole team is doing it. We're the team that played the most this season, and that certainly has its weight. But, more important than that, is the character and dedication of the players. We were rewarded with a sensational classification, and now we're going after the title," he celebrated.

This Wednesday (06), it will be time to face the Independiente team, from Argentina. The match, valid for the first leg of the Conmebol South American final, will be played at the Libertadores de América Stadium, in Avellaneda, located in greater Buenos Aires. This will be the third final played by the Rubro-Negro this year, as the number 35 recalls when talking about the season.

"We have a chance to win another title this season and we'll go after it with all our might. We have to acknowledge one fact: We're in our third final, with a chance to win our second. We've qualified directly for the Copa Libertadores. We're the team that, if I'm not mistaken, has won the most this season, with the most positive attack. So, the good things must be remembered, because it's through hard work that you achieve them," Diego recalled.

However, the responsibility of wearing the Sacred Mantle is well understood. Diego has been a fan favorite since his first days at Flamengo and understands the high demands required to leave a positive mark on the club's history, but he also recalls the positive moments experienced in 2017 so far.

"This isn't meant to comfort us. We are Flamengo and we have an obligation to win. We have a very strong group and we remain extremely motivated. Humble and down to earth, we must recognize the good things we've done. This doesn't hide our past frustrations, but good things have happened and should be celebrated," he added.

At such a critical moment, so crucial to the club's current season, the midfielder took responsibility once again and converted the penalty that guaranteed the Mais Querido a spot in the continent's most prestigious competition next year. Sunday's positive result is the result of hard work, he emphasized.

"Every time I get that ball, I'm liable to score or miss. The goalkeepers are prepared. Even if I shoot well, they might save. But I'm there to take responsibility. I prepare and train physically and mentally for it. So, I'll be there. Count on me to take on that responsibility and try again, which is our greatest challenge. To keep trying and working even after disappointments," he commented, dedicating the qualifying goal to everyone responsible for it. "Today the reward came, and I'm very happy. We all took that penalty kick together: players, management, fans. We achieved a very important goal, and I'm happy to have been a part of it," he concluded.

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