One of Flamengo's biggest standouts last season, captain Fábio Luciano is one of the red-black team's biggest assets in winning the 2008 Libertadores Cup. For the debut in the Campeonato Carioca, against Boavista, on Sunday, at the Maracanã, the Flamengo defender is confident of a good debut.

- "Our team is ready for the debut. We will play with the same seriousness as last year, respecting the Boavista team a lot. The Campeonato Carioca is very important, and we will go after this title for Flamengo."

Despite showing confidence, the red-black captain believes it will be a difficult game on Sunday.

- "We know it's going to be a very difficult game, because all opponents have extra motivation when facing Flamengo. We know some Boavista players, who have played for big clubs. Joel will show us some videos of Boavista games, so we don't have any surprises in the opening match."

Regarding the reunion with Flamengo fans, Fábio Luciano was anxious.

- "I'm really looking forward to seeing the Flamengo fans again, who helped our team so much last year. That feeling of butterflies in my stomach is normal at any debut, and I hope our team puts on a great performance on Sunday."