Experienced midfielder Maldonado arrived at Flamengo last year to shore up the team's midfield. He did so exceptionally well and was a key player in the team's sixth title. He went through difficult times, linked to injuries, but always had the support of his fans and teammates. Now, recovered from a serious knee injury and with a renewed contract with Flamengo, he's gradually becoming part of the team. The Chilean performed well against Grêmio Prudente and hopes to continue his work in the coming rounds.

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"Now it's time to think about coming back gradually, getting back into shape, and it was a very good first game for me. I hope I can play longer and continue, but I believe I've come back well. The team has everything it needs to grow and have a good run of results in the competition. We're working to make that happen," he said.

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One of the most beloved players by the fans in the current squad, Maldonado thanks the support of the Red-Black Nation and promises to reciprocate all the affection he receives from the stands on the field.

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"I feel rewarded and having my work recognized for my work. I also have great affection for the fans, for all the support I received, even though I went through difficult times here and I hope to repay their affection on the field, playing and doing well," said the player, who hopes to repeat the success he had in 2009, when he joined the team precisely to start a red-black run in the Brasileirão.

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"I hope this happens again. I hope to have some continuity, get more minutes in games and feel useful to the team again. But we have to stay calm. The team is doing well, evolving, and I'm here to help and, who knows, maybe be important in a comeback," he concluded.

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