Scorer of one of the last of three great goals against Figueirense that sealed the club's qualification for the next stage of the Copa Sudamericana, Fernandinho gave a press conference in the press room at CT George Helal after training this Saturday (03). The striker celebrated his first goal in the red-and-black jersey. Fernandinho also highlighted the importance not only of the goals scored in the second leg, but also of those scored in the first leg, held at the Orlando Scarpelli Stadium, which kept the Mais Querido in the competition. The number 31 also praised the quality of coach Zé Ricardo and commented on midfielder Diego's quick adaptation.

It was something I'd been striving for since I arrived here. There are other important aspects to the game, like adapting to the coach's system and the group, but a goal is always welcome for attackers. It greatly boosts confidence, which helps during competitions. The most important thing was helping the team qualify. We talk a lot about the three goals that sealed our passage to the next stage, but the two scored by Alan Patrick and Cirino in the first match were also extremely important. If it weren't for them, we wouldn't have advanced.

I work hard at my best during training. We knew the challenges we'd face in a game like this. Zé Ricardo told us it would be a tight game and that we'd need a lot of individual play to break through the opposing defense, which would be formed by at least two lines of four players. We performed very well. This was also evident in the other two goals we scored, which were the result of the individual quality of my teammates.

What he shared with us in our pre-match conversations was reflected on the pitch. His work is based on the best possible preparation. Zé studies a lot and analyzes his opponents. The information he gives us before each match makes our job much easier.

That's exactly how we approach matches. If we don't approach them as a final, things get more difficult. When we forget about the games that have passed, the ones to come, and focus solely on the matchup at hand, things tend to unfold more naturally. I'm sure the teams that have won championships in recent years have approached these challenges the same way.

He's a unique player, we all know that. He's an athlete with above-average talent. Something that has caught my attention and that of the entire group is his humility. The way he works, his dedication. This approach has made it even easier for our group, which is already very welcoming, to embrace him in the best possible way. Not only him, but also Leandro Damião. The same happened to me. It's a huge help for the players who join the club.

The Kléber Andrade pitch is very good, I really enjoy playing there. I was able to provide assists and score my first goal for Flamengo at that stadium. The people of Espírito Santo welcomed us fantastically. It's a place that has become increasingly special to us. Flamengo fans are like that, very warm and always supportive, no matter where we play. They've made a difference.

*Collaborated under the supervision of Ricardo Taves