After the training session that concluded Flamengo's preparations for the crucial Copa do Brasil semifinal clash against Botafogo, which will take place this Wednesday at Engenhão Stadium, Diego appeared in the Victorino Chermont Press Room to give a press conference. Respecting his opponent's good form, the midfielder predicts a highly motivated and intense Flamengo side looking to secure a good result in the first leg.

"Botafogo has our complete respect. They're a great team, and they'll be playing at home. However, the quality of our squad, what we've already achieved together, and the track record of each player means there's no need for comment and no doubts. Defeats and disappointments are part of any team's history, but here we're talking about men with character and determination, so we'll do our best. We're extremely motivated to face Botafogo. We'll take the field to put into practice everything we know and can do," he commented.

Flamengo will be without players who were not registered for the match, including goalkeeper Diego Alves, defender Rhodolfo, and attacking midfielders Everton Ribeiro and Geuvânio. The number 35 praised the Flamengo's latest additions, emphasizing their importance to the squad. However, he also praised the quality of the players who will be available to participate in the derby.

"These players are extremely important, and there's no denying that, but it's also true that we have a balanced group that's ready to play a great game tomorrow. So that's no excuse for us not being a ready and competitive team," he said.

Still awaiting the resolution of some bureaucratic issues, coach Reinaldo Rueda is waiting to be confirmed to be on the bench for tomorrow's match. Diego, however, shared his first impressions of the new Flamengo manager with the reporters present.

"We had the opportunity to talk a little. He's a coach who arrives with experience and the background to face this challenge," the midfielder praised. "Communication in general is important, especially when you're arriving and getting to know the players. He spoke with the team, with the players. Nothing special, but we did exchange some ideas," he added.

Diego also commented on his absence from recent matches, a period during which he recovered from the muscle fatigue accumulated due to the large number of matches in a short period of time. The star also recalled his best performances wearing the Sacred Mantle, and discussed the expectations for 2017, highlighting the titles still up for grabs.

We've reached a situation where recent results haven't been what we wanted, but tomorrow is a different game. We set lofty goals and created expectations. Sometimes we don't reach them, and that creates a certain disappointment, but we're talking about a Copa do Brasil semifinal, which we reached with great effort and which gives us the opportunity to compete for a title that guarantees a spot in an international competition. We need to be proud and motivated. The fans will certainly be confident and will support us in our pursuit of this goal.

We're talking about opinion. Our work generates opinions and public debate. People have the right to express their opinions, but obviously our thinking differs. We, as players, have to give our all in training and matches, because the coach's success is ours too. Rueda didn't get here by chance, so he has merit.

Without a doubt, my assessment is extremely positive. Everything I'm experiencing at Flamengo is special, intense, and wonderful. Of course, not everything goes as planned, but I'm doing my best to make this entire nation happy, just as they are making me happy. The challenges are great, but the journey is extremely enjoyable. It's a great honor to wear this jersey. I'm happy, motivated, and many good things are coming.

With our schedule, it's abundantly clear that, if a reasonable person stops to analyze it, it's impossible for a player to play in every game in every championship at a high level. This turnover shouldn't be a surprise to anyone. What's unacceptable is a sudden drop-off, no matter how many times it happens. After many consecutive games, it's important to give one or another player a chance to rest.

Regarding my knee, everything is completely resolved. These days, it's extremely easy to resolve these types of issues. All athletes are monitored by GPS. If there were any physical issues, I would never have reached the level I do in every match. I'm in great shape for this match.

The day my transfer was finalized, the feeling I had with my family. My first game, the first goal... The games at Maracanã, the wonderful airport receptions, the Carioca title. Not to mention the day-to-day life, when people talk to me, they recognize me. It's really cool.

Every defeat is incredibly painful, but there's something special about playing for this club, about wearing this jersey. The next day, the desire and hope born from this passion that permeates all Flamengo fans infects me. Obviously, I've had disappointments during this time, but the desire to win outweighs any of them.