Two years of many goals and zero nonsense.
Guerrero celebrates milestone with excellent form at Flamengo.
By Lucas Dantas - Flamengo Communications - inExactly two years ago, the chaos ended. On July 07, 2015, José Paolo Guerrero Gonzales was presented at Clube de Regatas do Flamengo and began his story as the number 9 for the Nation. Not only did the chaos end there, but also the peace of opposing goalkeepers. He played 91 games, scored 39 goals, and displayed immense grit, commitment, and dedication to the Sacred Mantle. Those numbers will continue to grow, and significantly, and his story promises to be one of the richest the Nation has ever seen. Check out an exclusive interview with Guerrero for Fla TV at the end of this text.
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THE ARRIVAL
Guerrero was Flamengo's main signing in 2015 and the most important transfer in Brazilian football that year. The Peruvian striker was coming off a turbulent contract termination with Corinthians, and Flamengo opened its doors to him. Right from his first interview, during his presentation at Ninho do Urubu, he won over the fans.
Guerrero was Flamengo's main signing in 2015 and the most important transfer in Brazilian football that year. The Peruvian striker was coming off a turbulent contract termination with Corinthians, and Flamengo opened its doors to him. Right from his first interview, during his presentation at Ninho do Urubu, he won over the fans.
"Flamengo has the biggest fan base in the world and is very well-known internationally. I promise to give my all and always try to win."
FIRST GAME
Guerrero signed with Flamengo on May 29th, but was only officially presented on July 7th because there was a Copa América tournament in between. He represented Peru in the competition in Chile and had the support of the Flamengo fans. It worked. His team reached the semi-finals, thanks to the four goals Guerrero scored in the tournament, where he was also the top scorer. But with his mission in the Andes over, it was time to serve the Biggest Fanbase in the World. One day after his presentation, Guerrero was already on the field with his teammates in the cold Porto Alegre to face Internacional.
Guerrero signed with Flamengo on May 29th, but was only officially presented on July 7th because there was a Copa América tournament in between. He represented Peru in the competition in Chile and had the support of the Flamengo fans. It worked. His team reached the semi-finals, thanks to the four goals Guerrero scored in the tournament, where he was also the top scorer. But with his mission in the Andes over, it was time to serve the Biggest Fanbase in the World. One day after his presentation, Guerrero was already on the field with his teammates in the cold Porto Alegre to face Internacional.
FIRST GOAL
And the wait was short. Just 10 minutes. Still lacking the necessary chemistry with his teammates, having only had one training session, but talent prevailed. Jorge crossed from the left, Canteros controlled the ball, and Guerrero finished. The chaos suffered its first blow that night at Beira Rio.
Check out Guerrero's first goal for Flamengo.
And the wait was short. Just 10 minutes. Still lacking the necessary chemistry with his teammates, having only had one training session, but talent prevailed. Jorge crossed from the left, Canteros controlled the ball, and Guerrero finished. The chaos suffered its first blow that night at Beira Rio.
Check out Guerrero's first goal for Flamengo.
My first time in Rio
After dispatching Internacional, Guerrero helped Flamengo with another beautiful goal against Náutico in Pernambuco, in a 2-0 victory in the Copa do Brasil. Three days later, it was time to face the Nation face to face. More than 50 Flamengo fans filled the Maracanã to push the team in another confrontation against a traditional Gaucho rival, this time Grêmio. But confidence was renewed with the presence of the striker. And Guerrero responded again. A difficult game, strong marking, anxiety to unleash the goal cry. And it came, at 40 minutes. To the sound of the Nation, the chaos ended and was buried there on the Maracanã pitch.
After dispatching Internacional, Guerrero helped Flamengo with another beautiful goal against Náutico in Pernambuco, in a 2-0 victory in the Copa do Brasil. Three days later, it was time to face the Nation face to face. More than 50 Flamengo fans filled the Maracanã to push the team in another confrontation against a traditional Gaucho rival, this time Grêmio. But confidence was renewed with the presence of the striker. And Guerrero responded again. A difficult game, strong marking, anxiety to unleash the goal cry. And it came, at 40 minutes. To the sound of the Nation, the chaos ended and was buried there on the Maracanã pitch.
NOW A WHOLE YEAR
For 2016, expectations were as high as possible, as the star player would have time to train from the start of the season. The work paid off, and the Peruvian equaled his best mark of the year with 18 goals, helping the club finish the Brazilian Championship in third place with 71 points. A title was still missing for the Peruvian to truly achieve glory with the club. And that was the mission for 2017.
For 2016, expectations were as high as possible, as the star player would have time to train from the start of the season. The work paid off, and the Peruvian equaled his best mark of the year with 18 goals, helping the club finish the Brazilian Championship in third place with 71 points. A title was still missing for the Peruvian to truly achieve glory with the club. And that was the mission for 2017.
THE FIRST TITLE
Mission accomplished. And undefeated, with the best attack and the top scorer trophy to add to the shelf. Guerrero was outstanding. He scored goals in every way imaginable, including in the final against Fluminense. Fluminense was winning and relying on counter-attacks. The result would have taken the game to penalties. In the 39th minute, Gabriel took a corner, Réver jumped higher than everyone else and headed the ball. Cavalieri parried the shot, and Guerrero, in the right place at the right time, equalized the game. Fluminense felt the blow, conceded another goal, and watched Flamengo celebrate their 34th Carioca Championship title. Guerrero's first with the red-and-black jersey.
A COMPLETE STRIKER
In these two years, Guerrero has shown that he's not a one-trick pony. He knows how to score goals in every way imaginable. Right foot, left foot, head, back, knee... And he doesn't just score inside the box, his natural habitat. Like a predator always waiting for the best chance, Guerrero took risks from outside the box and scored eight times. Two of those goals came from his new role as a free-kick taker. Fluminense and São Paulo were victims of shots that left their goalkeepers on their knees. In the six-yard box, the number 9 showed how opportunistic he is and how well he positions himself. He scored 10 goals taking advantage of goalkeeper rebounds, tackles, loose balls, and anticipating defenders on difficult balls. But it's in the penalty area that the Peruvian shines. Twenty-one goals, nineteen from open play and two from penalties. There, the striker feels at ease. But it can be from close range, from far away, from open play or stationary play. With Guerrero, there's no messing around.
In these two years, Guerrero has shown that he's not a one-trick pony. He knows how to score goals in every way imaginable. Right foot, left foot, head, back, knee... And he doesn't just score inside the box, his natural habitat. Like a predator always waiting for the best chance, Guerrero took risks from outside the box and scored eight times. Two of those goals came from his new role as a free-kick taker. Fluminense and São Paulo were victims of shots that left their goalkeepers on their knees. In the six-yard box, the number 9 showed how opportunistic he is and how well he positions himself. He scored 10 goals taking advantage of goalkeeper rebounds, tackles, loose balls, and anticipating defenders on difficult balls. But it's in the penalty area that the Peruvian shines. Twenty-one goals, nineteen from open play and two from penalties. There, the striker feels at ease. But it can be from close range, from far away, from open play or stationary play. With Guerrero, there's no messing around.
THE MAIN VICTIMS
Twenty-three teams have already fallen victim to the star player while wearing the Flamengo jersey. The "favorites" are the Rio de Janeiro teams Boavista, Fluminense, and Botafogo, each with four goals to their name. Atlético Mineiro and Chapecoense have three Guerrero goals to trade on the goalscoring exchange, while São Paulo, Nova Iguaçu, and his former team Corinthians have had to retrieve the ball from the back of the net twice. Check out the chart below to see who has suffered the most from the Peruvian's goal-scoring prowess.
THE STORY CONTINUES
Guerrero's book of achievements and glories with Flamengo is far from finished. Many blank pages are still waiting to be filled with goals and celebrations. In 2017, the Peruvian should break his record for goals in a single season. And in excellent physical shape, what will his limit be? Flamengo and its fans will be grateful.