Before the match, a special meeting. This Wednesday's opponent, River Plate, visited Flamengo's headquarters in Gávea for an event organized by the River Foundation, a social project that travels to cities in the interior of Argentina, including those where the club will play away, to carry out social work for young people from underprivileged communities. At the club, the Argentines met with students from several Flamengo schools in Rio de Janeiro.
More than 80 children attended the event. Students from schools in Santa Marta, Mangueira, Salgueiro, and Rocinha were able to chat with foundation representatives, play on special soccer equipment, receive prizes, and take photos with Flamengo midfielder Ederson, who represented Flamengo, and with Bruno Zuculini, an Argentine midfielder who was also present.
Ederson was swarmed by the children and attended to everyone present. He recalled his youthful days dreaming of becoming a footballer and shared his advice for youngsters who dream of shining with the ball.
"When I was just six years old, I already had the dream of being a football player, and a lot of things went through my head. I looked up to players on and off the field, as a person. As a child, you have many dreams, and today I'm fulfilled in my profession. Today, here, I imagine what goes through children's minds and what I tell them: it's important to dream and pursue your goals," said the Flamengo midfielder.
River Plate president Rodolfo D'Onofrio addressed the children during the event and said a few words about football, rivalry and solidarity.
"Tomorrow we will face each other, but we are not enemies. We are people, friends, and when solidarity is the protagonist, there is no color that separates us."
Flamengo and River Plate face each other this Wednesday, at 21:45 pm, at the Nilton Santos stadium, for group 4 of the Conmebol Libertadores da América Cup.
Check out what the event was like through the lens of FlaTV.
More than 80 children attended the event. Students from schools in Santa Marta, Mangueira, Salgueiro, and Rocinha were able to chat with foundation representatives, play on special soccer equipment, receive prizes, and take photos with Flamengo midfielder Ederson, who represented Flamengo, and with Bruno Zuculini, an Argentine midfielder who was also present.
Ederson was swarmed by the children and attended to everyone present. He recalled his youthful days dreaming of becoming a footballer and shared his advice for youngsters who dream of shining with the ball.
"When I was just six years old, I already had the dream of being a football player, and a lot of things went through my head. I looked up to players on and off the field, as a person. As a child, you have many dreams, and today I'm fulfilled in my profession. Today, here, I imagine what goes through children's minds and what I tell them: it's important to dream and pursue your goals," said the Flamengo midfielder.
River Plate president Rodolfo D'Onofrio addressed the children during the event and said a few words about football, rivalry and solidarity.
"Tomorrow we will face each other, but we are not enemies. We are people, friends, and when solidarity is the protagonist, there is no color that separates us."
Flamengo and River Plate face each other this Wednesday, at 21:45 pm, at the Nilton Santos stadium, for group 4 of the Conmebol Libertadores da América Cup.
Check out what the event was like through the lens of FlaTV.