Even experienced players feel the good old butterflies before a big derby. Vagner Love is no different. The Love Gunner is about to play his first decisive match for Flamengo, and he's not hiding his excitement. He already made his mark in the Fla vs. Flu match, and he hopes to repeat that success in the duel against Botafogo on Ash Wednesday, a match that will determine the second finalist of the Taça Guanabara.

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Love's first days playing for his beloved club are proving even more positive than the striker's fondest childhood dreams. He already has six goals in the Campeonato Carioca and hopes to once again help the Gávea team secure a spot in the first round of the state championship.

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"It's hard to believe I've already made a decision. I'm eager to get on the field. I didn't expect to experience this moment so quickly and I'll do my best to help Flamengo win. It will be very special to feel that butterflies in my stomach and see the Maracanã packed," he explained.

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The player emphasizes the importance of a strong performance against Botafogo. According to him, Thursday's training session at Ninho do Urubu was crucial in testing the red-and-black team. In the training session, the starters faced the reserves, who used a tactical scheme very similar to that of the General Severiano team.

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"We know the importance of the game against Botafogo. It will be a battle to get the win. With Andrade in control of the group, the squad at his disposal, it's easier for him to find the right team. The team that trained this Thursday is ideal, and that helps us with our teamwork. The reserves even played with three defenders, like Botafogo," he emphasized.

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The Artilheiro do Amor (Love Gunner) has the best average among center forwards in the Campeonato Carioca: 1,5 goals per game, surpassing his rivals Dodô, El Loco Abreu, Fred, and even his teammate Adriano. Vagner Love has found the net in every match he's played for Flamengo in this Campeonato Carioca. And he's proven himself a natural goalscorer. All of his goals have come inside the box—five of them with the ball at his feet and one with his head.