Has the Emperor returned? No, he's never stopped being connected to Flamengo. Regardless of what websites and newspapers across the country say, Adriano is happy and focused on helping the Red-Black team win more titles. This Friday (March 12.03), he spoke with the club's president, Patrícia Amorim, who attended the soccer practice held in Gávea, and with journalists, to whom he leveled some criticism.
 
After a week of seeing his name in the headlines, Adriano, who has been training hard in recent days, has clarified many untruths about his personal and professional life. However, aware that he needs to satisfy his fans, the Emperor made a point of stating that he will not quit football.

"I haven't lost the joy of playing. We fall to learn to get up. I'm more mature, and that won't happen again. I'm happy, and I never thought about giving up. It would be a disappointment for my family, for me, and for everyone who loves me. Unfortunately, something happened, and it caused a lot of backlash because it was me. I just ask the press to be careful when publishing anything. It might not be good for my family. A photo came out of the house I gave my mother in Búzios. What if my family is there, with the kids, and someone comes in to do something to them?! Be careful. I want privacy," said the Emperor, who has the support of all levels of the club.

"I spoke with the president, and of course she was concerned. She was worried because she didn't know the whole truth. I called Marcos Braz and told him I wasn't in the mood to play. He said he was with me. The president is also willing to help me with everything. I'm very happy about that," Adriano explained.

The striker also made a point of emphasizing that he didn't approach the reporters because he felt wronged. According to him, there was no point in talking about the lies being told.

"The press makes up a lot of things. Why would I come here to talk to you? To argue? If it continues like this, I won't even come anymore. What's the point of me saying something to you if a bunch of wrong things come out? They just say I'm a drug addict, that I gave my wife a car, that I'm overweight...", said Adriano.

Regarding his relationship with the group, Adriano explained that it's very good. Always praised by his teammates, he made a point of explaining that this is true.

"I gave up 17 million to stay here, you know what that means? I'm super calm, humble and I don't put anyone down. If I were cocky, I wouldn't play with the group and I wouldn't be here today," said the Emperor.

To conclude his rant, Flamengo's number 10 dismissed any connection to the drug world. He believes people associate the favela with that kind of thing.

"To this day, when I go to the community in Vila Cruzeiro, a movie plays in my head from when I was little. When people talk about me, they exaggerate a lot. They say I only live in the favela and that I use drugs. But the favela also has good things. I'm not leaving my community. I've never used drugs and I get upset when people make up things like that. If I did, I would have been caught doping by now. I'm normal like everyone else," Adriano concluded.

WORLD CUP

On the eve of his World Cup squad in South Africa, striker Adriano remains confident. When asked about the possibility of being left out of coach Dunga's squad, the Emperor explained that he's not too worried. According to him, last week's problems haven't changed his relationship with the Brazilian national team coach.

"What happens in everyone's life happened. Who hasn't had a problem with a woman? Dunga knows me very well and gives me confidence. He asked me to take better care of myself and Jorginho is also with me. They don't care what the press says about me. I'm calm and I saw how many people care about me. Even people I never imagined would be by my side were there," said Adriano, explaining the reason for his 'disappearance'.

"I get discouraged very quickly. They said a lot of things that didn't happen. I'm quiet, reserved, and I needed that at that moment. It gave me more strength. I vented to Runco (Flamengo and the Brazilian national team's doctor) and to a psychologist. I accept all criticism if I'm wrong, but I think you have to criticize based on facts. You can't make up a bunch of stuff," said the Emperor.