Diego Maurício celebrates opportunity with the under-20 national team.
The striker was called up by coach Ney Franco to compete in the South American Championship for his age group in January.
By From the official website team - in
The second half of 2010 wasn't the best for Flamengo. But for young Diego Maurício, a product of the club's youth academy and the season's big revelation, it was actually quite positive. He moved up to the professional team, scored five goals, earned a starting spot, and ended the season being called up to the Brazilian under-20 national team, which will compete in the South American Championship in January in Peru.
The 19-year-old striker believes he's on the right track to further establish himself in the Flamengo team. Calm and a homebody, Diego is grateful for the support of his family, friends, and, of course, his teammates, who helped him achieve this success. However, he also knows it's still too early to celebrate.
"I'm very happy with the opportunity. I thank everyone for their support. My teammates, my family, and I hope to represent our country well, helping Brazil win the title and also a spot in the Olympic Games. I'm happy, yes, but I know I still need to work hard, keep striving, to go even further," said the number 49, who also celebrated being called up along with his friend and roommate during Flamengo's training camps, Rafael Galhardo.
"Galhardo is more than just a teammate. He's a friend, also a roommate, and I even joked with him, saying that we're together again. I'm happy about this recognition of Flamengo's youth academy. For those who grow up here, this is a dream come true," he analyzed.
In the final week of such a special year, Diego takes the opportunity to reflect on the season. Individually, he believes he did well, but hopes to do even better in 2011, to help Flamengo win the titles that eluded them in 2010.
"We have to work hard to put Flamengo where it deserves to be; fighting for titles. I'm very happy on an individual level, I think these were five very important months for me, but of course we're disappointed that we didn't get a better position in the Brazilian Championship. Now it's time to go all out in this last game and then rest to come back better in 2011," he concluded.
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The 19-year-old striker believes he's on the right track to further establish himself in the Flamengo team. Calm and a homebody, Diego is grateful for the support of his family, friends, and, of course, his teammates, who helped him achieve this success. However, he also knows it's still too early to celebrate.
"I'm very happy with the opportunity. I thank everyone for their support. My teammates, my family, and I hope to represent our country well, helping Brazil win the title and also a spot in the Olympic Games. I'm happy, yes, but I know I still need to work hard, keep striving, to go even further," said the number 49, who also celebrated being called up along with his friend and roommate during Flamengo's training camps, Rafael Galhardo.
"Galhardo is more than just a teammate. He's a friend, also a roommate, and I even joked with him, saying that we're together again. I'm happy about this recognition of Flamengo's youth academy. For those who grow up here, this is a dream come true," he analyzed.
In the final week of such a special year, Diego takes the opportunity to reflect on the season. Individually, he believes he did well, but hopes to do even better in 2011, to help Flamengo win the titles that eluded them in 2010.
"We have to work hard to put Flamengo where it deserves to be; fighting for titles. I'm very happy on an individual level, I think these were five very important months for me, but of course we're disappointed that we didn't get a better position in the Brazilian Championship. Now it's time to go all out in this last game and then rest to come back better in 2011," he concluded.
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