Lucas Paquetá celebrates his ninth goal for Flamengo in 2018

Shirt 11 spoke to the press in the mixed zone of Maracanã

By Mariana Sa - in 23/09/2018 às 19:38

In the 9th minute of the second half, Miguel Trauco found Lucas Paquetá in the penalty area. In a beautiful play, the number 11 scored the goal that gave Flamengo a 2-1 victory against Atlético-MG, securing three more points in the Brazilian Championship. After the match, the youngster spoke about his ninth goal of the year and the positive result at the Maracanã.

“It’s a role I already played in the youth academy and where I feel more comfortable. It’s Barbieri who chooses what’s best for Flamengo. I was happy to help with a goal and the victory. Everyone knows that I make myself available to the coach and, wherever he thinks is best, I can play to give my best in pursuit of a positive result,” said Paquetá. “Mistakes will happen, it’s part of football. I can try to improve and choose better options, but I’m happy with my performance going forward. If I need to go back in defense, I will do that and give my best as I always have,” he added.

Flamengo returns to the field next Wednesday (26), at 21:45 pm, when they face Corinthians, at Arena Corinthians, for the second leg of the Copa do Brasil semi-final.

Check out other questions from the mixed zone:

Praise from the opposing coach

This is the result of a lot of hard work. This week was very important not only for me, but for the whole team. This victory belongs to Flamengo. I'm excited to score, but the ultimate goal is always to win.

Call-ups for the National Team

It's an honor to wear the national team jersey, and I know that's because of the work I've been doing at Flamengo. I went there, gave my best, and tried to enjoy and savor that moment. Now, returning to Flamengo, I want to continue giving my best, because I know that this is where I have to earn my place.

Focus on Flamengo

A lot of people say a lot of things, but my focus is here at Flamengo. I've been here for 12 years and I've waited a long time to be able to fight for titles. That's not going to slip away, and I'm sure of it. My focus is entirely on helping Flamengo.