Flamengo's futsal team, like the Jota Quest song, continues to hope for better days. The state champions, five months behind in their salaries in 2008, have not received their salaries since April of last year, but see hope in the new board that everything will work out. Futsal director Luiz Antônio has already spoken with president Patrícia Amorim, who has expressed her intention to settle the debt with the players.

With the future in mind, the coaching staff has set the group's return date for next Monday, February 1st. Flamengo is registered for the 2010 adult futsal competitions, and according to Luiz, will compete with whatever squad they have. The group's lineup has not yet been finalized, but the expectation is that the squad will be reshuffled.

"I've already submitted the application to the Federation, and we'll participate with whatever budget we have. Whether it's the same as in 2009, a little smaller, or even if we don't have the budget to balance everything and come back stronger in the second half of the year... But we'll keep the activities going. We'll return on Monday, and depending on the current squad's wishes, the group's restructuring will be outlined," he explained.

Having been with Flamengo for 20 years, Luiz Antônio reveals that he has experienced similar financial situations at the club. The director has already begun talks with the club's new leaders and explained that one of Patricia Amorim's priorities, in addition to paying off debts with all amateur sports, is to seek sponsorship for these sports.

"Patricia was touched by the situation, because she was also an athlete and knows that the players need this support. I met with the president and she said what I already expected: this debt will not be forgotten. The intention is to pay it. Now the players have greater support. We can only wait, because it's still early in the term, and many things still need to be resolved, but I'm confident," he added.