One retired, the other went to European football. Both started the year at Gávea, but didn't make it to the end to enjoy the icing on the cake. They were Rio de Janeiro champions, but ultimately didn't have the opportunity to lift the 2009 Brazilian Championship trophy. But for the fans and their former teammates, Fabio Luciano and Ibson are also six-time champions.

The defender made history at Flamengo as the captain of the fifth consecutive title. A player of immense dedication and a rare connection to a club's jersey in such a short time, Fabio Luciano proved himself a natural leader and a player the nation loves: full of personality, unafraid to push and be pushed, and, of course, immensely talented. Despite all the affection he received from both the fans and the other players, the "captain" decided to hang up his boots at the end of the Campeonato Carioca, the last trophy he lifted with the captain's armband on his right arm.

"That title and that group were very special to me. I was very happy with their victory in the Brazilian Championship at the end of the year. I didn't participate, but I felt very good about the title. Since I retired, I always said I would be a Flamengo fan. And I was. I took my kids to the game against Grêmio, watched it, and was very happy," said Fabio.

Ibson, meanwhile, has been a Flamengo fan since he was a child. He began his career at the club, excelled in the youth divisions, and has experienced similar moments before. In 2004, also after winning the state championship, he left Gávea for Porto. He didn't establish himself in Europe, so he returned to the club three years later. He was instrumental in the 2007 Brazilian Championship run and the Rio de Janeiro titles in 2008 and 2009, but, once again, midway through the year, he was forced to leave the club. His contract was still with the Portuguese club, which traded him to CSKA Moscow in Russia.

"I'm very happy at my new club, they've welcomed me very well, but of course I miss Flamengo, those wonderful fans, who have always treated me so well and who are contagious to everyone. I always want to come back, but now is not the time for that," said the number 7 of the pentatri, who recalled the importance of Flamengo having players who identify with the club and the fans in the 2010 Copa Libertadores campaign.

"I believe this is very important. Having quality players, but also with the Flamengo identity, like Leo Moura, Adriano, Pet... Vagner Love himself, if he's hired. Flamengo has many competitions to compete in and has to enter to always win. To do this, we need to build a strong team, maintaining this base and bringing in some reinforcements," he added.