Hey, hey, hey, Zico is our king!
Galinho is applauded not only by fans, but also by celebrities and athletes at the 'All-Star Game'
By From the team at Flamengo's official website - in
"My life is practically here, even more so after yesterday (Saturday), when I was honored with the installation of my statue at the Maracanã, and I'm very happy with what's happening." The words of a visibly emotional Zico reveal the happiness of a great idol. But it's very difficult to measure, in words, what the more than 70 subjects of "King Zico" felt upon seeing another show by the eternal number 10 of Gávea at the Maracanã.
Among these people, some had the pleasure of being alongside him, others of exchanging passes, and some even of scoring goals with assists from Galinho. Reporters, actors, singers, players, former players... Everyone surrendered and paid homage to one of the greatest players in the history of world football. Galinho even signed an autograph on a rival team's flag. Check out the statements below from some of those involved in the celebration, who couldn't hide their excitement at participating in this event that has become a tradition on the eve of Rio's New Year's Eve.
Romário, former Flamengo player and director of América: I was very honored (by the invitation). It's been 11 years, we've gotten older, and many things have changed in our lives. Zico was very honorable when he called me. I accepted immediately and was very happy. It couldn't have been any other way. I'm sure that together, we can achieve many interesting things in football."
Vagner Love, CSKA Moscow striker: Of course, being here has moved me. I was born in Bangu, I'm from Rio de Janeiro, and whenever I had the chance, I came to Maracanã to support Flamengo. I've never denied being a fan of the club, but I'm a professional. I work wherever the best opportunity presents itself. Many people ask me to play here, especially my family. And that's my wish too.
Smigol, reporter for SporTV and RockBola: It's really cool to be here. It's an important game that brings everyone together—artists, players, and even the story of Romário's reconciliation with Zico—so I'm really happy to be able to participate. I think everyone is here to contribute. We have some of the best players in Brazilian football, and I'm definitely very happy.
Junior, former Flamengo player: He's a fantastic guy. Zico is the greatest idol in Flamengo's history, but that doesn't mean he acts this way. He's a true role model. And he'll help a lot of people with these initiatives.
Diogo Nogueira, singer and composer: Oh my God! It's so emotional. I'm ecstatic. I was having fun the whole time, asking the fans to scream... There's nothing like it. It's a unique feeling. I'm a Flamengo fan and I got goosebumps, especially at an event organized by our greatest idol, Zico.
Gilmar Rinaldi, former Flamengo goalkeeper and businessman: It's a different kind of feeling to be here. I've never experienced this before. I'm 50 years old, I don't play anymore, and today I brought my son to see the Maracanã because he wasn't even born when I played. I'm really enjoying it and I'm thrilled to be back home for such a beautiful celebration.
Falcao, the best futsal player in the world: Zico is an idol, not just for me, but for my entire generation. Those who are 30 or 40 have only heard of Zico. I watched him, even when I was little, and I'm a huge fan. He's a Brazilian idol, and I'm very honored to be here alongside him at this game.
Marcelo Serrado, actor: I'm a die-hard Flamengo fan, I've seen several titles, I've been going to Maracanã since I was seven years old and for me it's exciting to be here participating in this All-Star Game, being able to be next to Zico, take a photo with him... I'm very happy.
Among these people, some had the pleasure of being alongside him, others of exchanging passes, and some even of scoring goals with assists from Galinho. Reporters, actors, singers, players, former players... Everyone surrendered and paid homage to one of the greatest players in the history of world football. Galinho even signed an autograph on a rival team's flag. Check out the statements below from some of those involved in the celebration, who couldn't hide their excitement at participating in this event that has become a tradition on the eve of Rio's New Year's Eve.
Romário, former Flamengo player and director of América: I was very honored (by the invitation). It's been 11 years, we've gotten older, and many things have changed in our lives. Zico was very honorable when he called me. I accepted immediately and was very happy. It couldn't have been any other way. I'm sure that together, we can achieve many interesting things in football."
Vagner Love, CSKA Moscow striker: Of course, being here has moved me. I was born in Bangu, I'm from Rio de Janeiro, and whenever I had the chance, I came to Maracanã to support Flamengo. I've never denied being a fan of the club, but I'm a professional. I work wherever the best opportunity presents itself. Many people ask me to play here, especially my family. And that's my wish too.
Smigol, reporter for SporTV and RockBola: It's really cool to be here. It's an important game that brings everyone together—artists, players, and even the story of Romário's reconciliation with Zico—so I'm really happy to be able to participate. I think everyone is here to contribute. We have some of the best players in Brazilian football, and I'm definitely very happy.
Junior, former Flamengo player: He's a fantastic guy. Zico is the greatest idol in Flamengo's history, but that doesn't mean he acts this way. He's a true role model. And he'll help a lot of people with these initiatives.
Diogo Nogueira, singer and composer: Oh my God! It's so emotional. I'm ecstatic. I was having fun the whole time, asking the fans to scream... There's nothing like it. It's a unique feeling. I'm a Flamengo fan and I got goosebumps, especially at an event organized by our greatest idol, Zico.
Gilmar Rinaldi, former Flamengo goalkeeper and businessman: It's a different kind of feeling to be here. I've never experienced this before. I'm 50 years old, I don't play anymore, and today I brought my son to see the Maracanã because he wasn't even born when I played. I'm really enjoying it and I'm thrilled to be back home for such a beautiful celebration.
Falcao, the best futsal player in the world: Zico is an idol, not just for me, but for my entire generation. Those who are 30 or 40 have only heard of Zico. I watched him, even when I was little, and I'm a huge fan. He's a Brazilian idol, and I'm very honored to be here alongside him at this game.
Marcelo Serrado, actor: I'm a die-hard Flamengo fan, I've seen several titles, I've been going to Maracanã since I was seven years old and for me it's exciting to be here participating in this All-Star Game, being able to be next to Zico, take a photo with him... I'm very happy.