Diego Panazio and Gabriel were elected by FFSERJ. Cid Escarlarte was the best coach.

Author: Thiago Barros\ Source: Red-Black Passion\

Flamengo futsal received further proof this Thursday that, despite not winning any titles this year, 2007 was extremely positive. The Rio de Janeiro State Futsal Federation (FFSERJ) honored the season's best players at the América Football Club in Tijuca, in the northern part of the Marvelous City. Flamengo had the best players and also the best coach.

The best players and coaches were chosen through a vote by coaches and club insiders, who could only vote for one coach and one player who wasn't from their own club. The result was excellent for the Gávea team. Cid Escarlarte and wingers Diego Panazio and Gabriel, tied, were elected.

Diego, number eight for the red-and-black team, began his career in the sport at the age of 9, at Grajau Tênis Clube, in the pre-junior category. Two years later, he transferred to Flamengo, where he stayed for five seasons. From Gávea, he moved to other clubs, returning to Rubro-Negro in early 2007. He spoke with PRN this Friday morning.

"It's gratifying for me to receive the award as the player of the year, especially because I had surgery in February, and the year was a bit lost for me. But I managed to go after it and get the award," said the player, who was approached by Teresópolis, the state champion, in the middle of the year, but did not complete the negotiations.

The winger returned to the spotlight for Flamengo in the state championship in the second half of the year, after excelling in the Metropolitano championship in the first half. In both tournaments, Diego helped Flamengo eliminate rival Vasco in the quarterfinals. However, the São Januário team could be the player's next destination. He was approached by the Cruzmaltina team, which will compete in the Futsal League in 2008.

"Nothing's decided yet. This year-end will be a time for rest, but I'll also be thinking about next season. I'm traveling on the 25th and returning on January 3rd to figure out how everything will work out," he said.

The player, whose strong point on the court is passing, always aiming to attack, is 21 years old and is studying business administration, in addition to being an option as a goalkeeper in the Flamengo team, took the opportunity to thank the fans for their support throughout the year.

"I just want to thank all the fans who cheered us on. And not just in Gávea, but across the state. Even when we lost, they never stopped supporting us," he concluded.

Author: Thiago Barros\ Source: Red-Black Passion\