After a debut weekend for Mais Querido in official competitions, training resumed at Ninho do Urubu on Monday morning (30). After the activities ended, Diego appeared at the Victorino Chermont Press Room, where he gave a press conference.

Fan club members can enjoy more Flamengo videos on FlaTV Nação Rubro-Negra, featuring exclusive interviews with the players! Click and feel the pride of being a fan club member.

The midfielder commented on the new season that began last Saturday (27). In the debut, Mais Querido thrashed Boavista 4-1 with goals from Guerrero twice, debutant Miguel Trauco, and the number 35 himself, who closed the score in the last play of the match. Maintaining the 2016 base was fundamental for a strong start to this year, and Diego commented on the impact of this sequence on the performance shown in the first challenge of 2017.

"The essence remains. Of course, we feel the team is a little more in tune, more aware of what it needs to do, and this undoubtedly impacts our performance. We were a confident team on the field. We managed the match well overall," said the midfielder, who praised the performances of Rômulo and Trauco. "The players who debuted did so brilliantly, and that helps a lot. The team is growing. We have to prepare by winning, and that's what we did," he added.

Diego's arrival at Flamengo was impactful. From the warm welcome orchestrated by the nation upon his arrival in Rio de Janeiro, he demonstrated a strong connection with the Gávea club. This was immediately reflected on the field, with eye-catching performances combining technique and passion. The result was a goal in his first match wearing the Sacred Mantle. The number 35 reflected on his arrival.

"My adaptation has exceeded my expectations. I planned with Flamengo that this marriage would be a success. I prepared myself thoroughly physically and psychologically. I dedicated myself, and still do, every day. I found the club in excellent condition, with a very well-organized team, which certainly helped a lot in my adaptation," commented the star. Diego then analyzed his time at the club. "The results are very positive thanks to the work Flamengo has done, my preparation, and the affection I've received from the fans since day one. This only serves to motivate me to maintain this level. Flamengo has shown a winning mentality, and we have to continue that way," he concluded.