For over a month, Flamengo fans haven't experienced what it's like to see their professional soccer team on the field. Since that historic December 6th, when the team beat Grêmio 2-1 to win its sixth Brazilian championship, the red-and-blacks have had a vacation, spent Christmas and New Year's Eve, and have yet to return to the official competition stage. However, this wait has a date and time to end: the 17th, at 17 p.m.

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The Gávea team faces Duque de Caxias in its debut in the 2010 Campeonato Carioca. The current three-time champion and the most successful team in the competition's history, Flamengo has one main goal this season: achieving a first for the fourth consecutive title, something never before in the club's 114-year history. Full-back Everton Silva says this prospect is a great motivation for the entire group.

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"Everyone here is super excited to compete in this Carioca. There's a chance we could make history once again, winning an unprecedented fourth championship. It's definitely an extra incentive for each player," he explained.

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Defender Álvaro will make his debut in the Campeonato Carioca this season. At 31, the player is eager for the competition to kick off. The red-and-black sheriff praises the state championship's format, the strength of his rivals, and the crowd's presence.

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"It will be my first time playing in the Campeonato Carioca. I've always followed it, and it's a high-quality tournament, with a format that attracts fans, with groups and knockouts. It will be a balanced championship with a great impact. The four big teams finished last year well, and this will make the Campeonato Carioca even better," he analyzed.

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Fans, in fact, were fundamental in Flamengo's great season in 2009. That's why the players can't wait to meet the passionate Nação Rubro-Negra again at Maracanã.

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"We're really looking forward to seeing the fans again. We ended last year with a Brazilian title and we're expecting a packed Maracanã stadium for our debut, with the fans helping us once again. We'll approach Duque de Caxias as if it were a match against Corinthians in the Copa Libertadores," he concluded.