Maldonado wants to help Flamengo get off to a good start in the Brazilian Championship
The midfielder has been improving with each game and wants to be useful regardless of whether he starts or comes off the bench.
By From the team at Flamengo's official website - in
Chilean midfielder Maldonado is slowly returning to what fans and teammates know he can be: a key player for Flamengo. Having recovered from a serious knee injury that sidelined him for a long time, the Gávea club's number 13 has the confidence of coach Silas, who has been giving him some playing time in recent matches.
Proof of this is that he is one of the candidates to take the place of the suspended Willians in Wednesday's (September 22.09) game against Grêmio. In a press conference after last Sunday's (September 19.09) match against Fluminense, Silas praised the Chilean's quality and said he was counting on him for the next rounds. Maldonado, speaking to the team at Flamengo's official website, thanked them for their trust and promised to repay it with great commitment on the field.
"It's great to have this trust and affection not only from Silas, but also from my teammates. I've already spoken to Silas, and he told me he's counting on me, and that's great. The other players also know I can help the team, and that's my greatest desire. I really like feeling useful, doing my best, and I believe that's what I'll be able to do every time I step onto the field for Flamengo," he said.
Maldonado admits he's not yet at peak form. He says he needs a little more match fitness and knows this will only come with time and as he plays more matches. Regarding regaining his starting spot, he prefers to leave the answer to coach Silas.
"I hope I get that chance, but it's up to Silas to decide. I'm happy to be slowly getting back into the game, and I know I need to get back into the swing of things. I want to participate, I want to help, and if I start, even better. But I'm here to help Flamengo," he added.
Proof of this is that he is one of the candidates to take the place of the suspended Willians in Wednesday's (September 22.09) game against Grêmio. In a press conference after last Sunday's (September 19.09) match against Fluminense, Silas praised the Chilean's quality and said he was counting on him for the next rounds. Maldonado, speaking to the team at Flamengo's official website, thanked them for their trust and promised to repay it with great commitment on the field.
"It's great to have this trust and affection not only from Silas, but also from my teammates. I've already spoken to Silas, and he told me he's counting on me, and that's great. The other players also know I can help the team, and that's my greatest desire. I really like feeling useful, doing my best, and I believe that's what I'll be able to do every time I step onto the field for Flamengo," he said.
Maldonado admits he's not yet at peak form. He says he needs a little more match fitness and knows this will only come with time and as he plays more matches. Regarding regaining his starting spot, he prefers to leave the answer to coach Silas.
"I hope I get that chance, but it's up to Silas to decide. I'm happy to be slowly getting back into the game, and I know I need to get back into the swing of things. I want to participate, I want to help, and if I start, even better. But I'm here to help Flamengo," he added.
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