A long-held dream is very close to coming true. In Rio de Janeiro since last Tuesday (07.07), midfielder Marquinhos is one step away from signing a one-year loan contract with Flamengo. After excelling at Vitória (BA) and transferring to Palmeiras, where he was not as successful, the player will undergo just a few more tests to make his long-standing relationship with the Rio de Janeiro club possible.

This Wednesday, Marquinhos underwent most of the medical tests Flamengo requires of its prospective players. Under the guidance of Dr. Serafim Borges, the midfielder showed he's very close to joining the current Brazilian champions' squad. And best of all, he could be on the field in July, if he makes the final decision, as his transfer isn't international.

In an exclusive interview with Flamengo's official website, Marquinhos said he doesn't want to remember his recent past at Palmeiras, where he suffered numerous injuries, and plans a glorious future with the red-and-black jersey. Preferably, fighting for another Brazilian title.

"Flamengo is a great team, and I'm very excited to show my football and leave behind what happened at Palmeiras. Unfortunately, I had a lot of injuries there and ended up getting few opportunities. But here I hope to be that Vitória player again and help the team as much as I can. I know the responsibility is huge, as it's the team with the biggest fan base in Brazil, in addition to being the current Brazilian champion. Here, we know there's always pressure and that the fans always want the best. I have to earn this trust and prove myself," said Marquinhos.

In addition to Marquinhos, Flamengo is also very close to signing goalkeeper Vinícius from Boavista. The goalkeeper is in the same situation as the midfielder and only needs to pass a few more medical exams to sign with the club.

Check out Marquinhos' full interview below.

Bad moment at Palmeiras

I arrived at Palmeiras already having undergone surgery. Shortly after, I got injured again, and when I returned to my best form, I didn't have many opportunities. I ended up having to battle through numerous injuries, and I believe this hindered my time at the club.

Recovery

Thank God, I've recovered, and I believe I'm doing well physically. I hope I don't have to deal with these problems again. It's really bad. But I'm sure everything will work out, and I'll be able to adapt well to the club and help the team.

Bahian partnership

Val is an excellent player. I've watched him play a lot and I believe I can play on the wings, with him more deeply. We could make a good partnership. The Bahians have a great history with Flamengo, don't they? I hope I can replicate that.

Play Mode

At Vitória, I played as a second striker, as a central striker, and also in midfield. I don't have a preference. I believe I can play in these positions and contribute in all of them.

Zico

Zico has always been an idol. I didn't get the chance to see him play live, but I watched some videos and he was fantastic. So working with him will be a great pleasure. It's always good to have people with such experience by your side, as they can offer a lot of advice and help a lot.

Preference for Fla

I had offers from other clubs, but Flamengo's was really good. I had an offer to play here last year, but I ended up not coming. But I talked to my agent and was certain it could be a great opportunity for me to play at a club like Flamengo.

What to expect from Marquinhos

The fans can expect a lot of commitment and enthusiasm from me on the field. I'm another player who arrives with this goal in mind, and as I said before, I really want to succeed here, do well, and forget what happened in recent years.

Check out the photo gallery on Flamengo's Official Website