Forward Marcelinho Paraíba arrived in Teresópolis last night and this morning had his first training session with his teammates at Granja Comary. He participated in physical activities, while the other players had their first ball contact in the preseason. Marcelinho explained his delay in the training session and took the opportunity to dispel any possibility of leaving Flamengo.

"I could make up any excuse, but I don't need to lie. I left my return to Rio to the last minute, but I couldn't, and that's why I was late. The fans can rest assured. I'm happy here, at the coach's disposal, and only thinking about doing my best for Flamengo this year," the striker explained.

The reunion with last year's teammates and the new signings for 2009 was marked by plenty of banter and Marcelinho's willingness to make up for lost time. Marcelinho took the opportunity to express his support for the signing of midfielder Zé Roberto.

"It's gratifying to be back with my teammates from last year and with those who have joined the team and will certainly help us a lot. I heard that Flamengo might bring in Zé Roberto, and I hope that happens because he's an excellent player."

Although he has made himself available to coach Cuca to be placed wherever the coach prefers, Marcelinho Paraíba has not hidden the fact that he expects to play in midfield, unlike what happened in most of the 19 matches he played in 2008.

"I'm not a go-to player in attack. Last year, I played almost the entire second half of the Brazilian Championship as a second striker, and if the coach needs me, of course I'll help out. But I really enjoy playing in midfield; I've never hidden that, and I hope to establish myself in midfield."