Valentine's Day is special for Leonardo Moura, not only in his personal life but also in his professional life. After all, it's when he celebrates a sort of anniversary with one of his great passions: Clube de Regatas do Flamengo. Exactly 15 years ago, in a 4-2 defeat to Corinthians, Leonardo Moura wore the jersey of his beloved club for the first time as a professional athlete. Since then, he has become a key player in the schemes of every coach who has passed through Gávea and an idol to the Flamengo fans.

When he arrived at the club at the age of 26, Leonardo Moura had to live with the label that, despite being a good player, he had never established himself at any club. Furthermore, the full-back, in almost 10 years of his career, had not won a single title. As fate would have it, his greatest achievements came while wearing the Flamengo jersey. First, the Copa do Brasil in 2006, then the three-time Carioca championship in 2007, 2008, and 2009, and finally, the Brazilian title last year.

"It went by so fast and it feels like I arrived here yesterday. There were positive things. Apart from the first year, which was very difficult, the rest was full of titles and glory. It's difficult to stay at a club for five years. I've never stayed more than a year and I want, God willing, to end my career here," he said.

Leo Moura's numbers at Gávea are extremely positive. The number 2 has already played 279 matches for Flamengo, scoring 37 goals and providing 51 assists. Since 2006, he hasn't gone a year without winning a title with the Rubro-Negro, and, already well accustomed to this routine, he expects 2010 to be no different. To achieve this, he believes the club needs to maintain the core of this group and make targeted signings.

"We make every title an obligation, and we have the players to achieve it. We always need qualified players. We're the current champion, and all of this makes things difficult. We're much more targeted these days. But we'll come back full steam ahead to reach the Libertadores again. Some players are finishing their contracts, and I really want Flamengo to make every effort to keep them at the club. They'll always see a teammate fighting for them and doing their best," he added.