He's arrived. On Friday afternoon (11), Flamengo announced and officially presented striker Gabriel Barbosa, known as Gabigol. In a press conference held in the press room at the Ninho do Urubu Training Center, the number 9 spoke about the Nação Rubro-Negra, his happiness at playing for the club and his expectations for starting work with the Manto Sagrado. Along with the player were the Vice-President of Football, Marcos Braz, director Bruno Spindel and CEO Reinaldo Belloti.

"First, I need to thank Gabriel. If it weren't for him and his intense desire to come, we certainly wouldn't have succeeded in this negotiation. The efforts of the board and president Rodolfo Landim also made this possible for us. I'd also like to thank our club members, as it's thanks to them that we're signing players; they're crucial. Now it's up to him to play. We're very happy that another player of this caliber, along with all the others we have, is joining us to strengthen this squad. Good luck to Gabriel; that's what we wish and need," Marcos Braz initially stated.

Speaking his first words as a Flamengo player, Gabigol appeared extremely happy and optimistic. "I thank God for enabling me to play at a great club, and I thank you, the president, my parents, everyone who made this dream come true. I always said I wanted to play here, but I never imagined I would achieve it at such a young age. I'm very happy and grateful for the fans' affection; I hope to repay them with my full commitment. It was great to be able to train today and already feel the atmosphere of being at a great club with a great structure. I hope not only to respond with goals, but also to be a champion," the forward exclaimed.

Gabriel Barbosa, the new owner of the No. 9 jersey, has received the affection of the Flamengo Nation since the beginning of the speculation, feeling the warmth of the Biggest Fan Base in the World firsthand. "I'm very happy, and it's a very special day. It's hard to explain this quick identification. Today it's even stronger. I hope this affection can help not only me, but also the squad, which is very strong. I'm not here to make up for the absence of the players who left; I believe our group is very good. We hope to repay this with many victories. Flamengo is truly enormous. I haven't even played yet, and I'm already feeling things that only happen here. It's a club with a tradition in the country, with a huge fan base. I hope it will be a very happy year," he stated.

"I was very anxious during the negotiations and really upset Marcos (Braz). I really wanted this to happen. I'm grateful to the clubs that approached my father about signing me, but it was very clear from the start that I wanted to be at Flamengo, defending this jersey and the immense fan base. I'm very grateful for everyone's trust, and now it's up to me and my teammates. Regardless of the investment, this jersey is very important, and everyone here knows that. It's a healthy pressure. Who hasn't thought about playing here with the fans cheering them on?" commented Gabigol.

And his main goal? "Being a champion is the dream of everyone here today. With a great team, great fans, and a great jersey, I believe it's everyone's main goal. Winning a title wearing this jersey will be truly unforgettable," assured Gabriel Barbosa.

Newly arrived at Flamengo, Abel Braga has already begun work on the 2019 season and is aiming for the Florida Cup title to start the year off right. For the player, working with the manager will be a chance to learn. "I know I can learn a lot from this. I'm very excited to meet the new group, the coach. I'm definitely going to learn a lot and hope to be able to pass on other things in the same way," he commented.

"Going to Europe helped me in many ways, even if some people think it only hurt me. It helped me a lot, and I feel very prepared on and off the field. I always try to stay in touch with the fans, trying to convey to them my happiness at being here. I want to show that on the field. The one who has to win is always Flamengo, which is above all and everyone. Regardless of the team on the field, we are all part of the same nation," the 22-year-old exclaimed.

Concluding the press conference, Gabriel spoke about his preferred position on the field. "I play all positions. At Santos, I played as a midfielder, on both flanks, and as a center forward. I think I'm versatile, so I'll be available for whatever Coach Abel needs," he concluded.