It was all a nightmare. The tumor in his nasal cavity was benign and was removed, and Leonardo Moura is now ready for new challenges with the red-and-black jersey. After missing the preseason with his teammates in Porto Feliz, in the interior of São Paulo, due to the injury, Léo returned to training with the group on Thursday afternoon, feeling fine, and couldn't hide his happiness at once again doing what he loves most: playing soccer.

\

Visibly emotional, the player, who had already stated on his Twitter profile that he was very happy to return, spoke about his return to the field in a press conference after training at Gávea. A religious figure, Leo thanked God profusely and assured that the injury made him appreciate his profession and his family even more, as they were always by his side during this difficult time in his career.

\

"It's a great joy. Of course, I thought I'd never be able to play football again, but it was a shock. Today, I think about enjoying every minute with my family and it's good to be back playing, training and focusing," said Leo.

\

Despite not yet being 100% physically fit and lacking some match rhythm, Leo Moura will be named by coach Andrade as a starter in Saturday's match at 17 p.m. against Bangu at Engenhão Stadium, in the third round of the Campeonato Carioca. For the first time this year, the number 2 will wear the Flamengo jersey, and until then, he guarantees it will be hard to contain his excitement.

\

"The last time I left Gávea, it was with terrible news. Today, I know I'm going to the game. I'm not in the best physical condition, but my heart is in this match. I received a lot of support," he added.

\

Leonardo Moura is one of the players most closely identified with Flamengo fans and one of the longest-serving players on the current squad. He has been at Gávea since 2005 and has already won five titles: the 2006 Copa do Brasil, three Rio de Janeiro state championships in 2007, 2008, and 2009, and the 2009 Brazilian Championship. At 31, Leo has played 250 matches for Flamengo, scoring 34 goals and providing 45 assists.