Juan Silveira dos Santos was born a Flamengo fan. His family raised him as a Flamengo fan. One day, he walked into Gávea for a tryout. He was accepted. On Wednesday, August 23, 2017, he stepped onto the Maracanã pitch to celebrate his 300th game wearing the Sacred Mantle. And he completed a journey that had a fundamental role in his family. His father made him a Flamengo fan. His mother made him a player, taking him to training sessions and youth academies, and keeping the young man in shape. The result was a dedicated and successful professional. 

Taking the field against Botafogo in the Copa do Brasil semifinal, Juan achieved the milestone that placed him in the historic pantheon of Clube de Regatas do Flamengo. Few have played as long or with such a strong sense of belonging. A serious defender, a model professional, a Flamengo fan to the core. 

His debut was in 1996, in a friendly against Desportiva Ferroviária. His first goal, almost a year later, against Internacional, at Maracanã. 

Maracanã. The stage of Juan's triumphs, where he won five state titles. In 1996, he was still a young man learning what it was like to wear the Manto. In 1999, on a youth team led by Carlinhos, he lifted his first trophy against favorite Vasco. That same year, he faced Palmeiras in São Paulo and won the Mercosul Cup, after 28 years without a continental trophy. He won his second state title in 2000, including a "stolen" goal from Tuta in the final. And then the third, the one with Pet's goal. 

And speaking of goals, the defender can also consider himself a top scorer. Juan found the net 30 times, achieving the second-highest mark in Flamengo's history, behind only Júnior Baiano (33). 

Juan left, leaving a void in the nation. He was the homegrown defender whose name the fans had learned to respect and chant in the stadium. A true product of Gávea. He went on to showcase his talent in Germany, Italy... 

And finally, in 2016, 14 years after leaving, Juan returned. He donned his second skin once again. In 2017, he won another state championship, his fifth. And now, against Botafogo, Flamengo's classic rival, he reached his 300th appearance. 

And in grand style. On a night to celebrate, Juan provided security to the defense and helped Flamengo dispatch the opponent. Now, the star player will have the opportunity to lift the Copa do Brasil that eluded him in 1997. 

Juan, for everything you've done for Flamengo, thank you, and congratulations on this historic achievement. True Flamengo fan. The pride of Flamengo.

Check out the Straight Talk with the defender below, for Fla TV.