After the activities of this Wednesday (05) at Ninho do Urubu ended, Diego appeared at the Victorino Chermont Press Room to give a press conference. With the classic against Vasco approaching, the midfielder spoke about the expectations for the confrontation, valid for the Taça Rio semi-final. 

"What makes this game different is the fact that we're facing Vasco, because it's a derby. Vasco is a great team, and that's enough, regardless of whether it's the first or second round, whether it's a final or not. We know their conditions and also the campaign we've had so far, which is considerable. We are fully aware of that, but this is a game apart," said the midfielder who, despite the team's early qualification for the State Championship semi-finals, guarantees that the derby will be taken with the seriousness of a decisive match. "Vasco deserves our respect, but we're going all out in search of victory," he added.

The match, which will take place this Saturday (08), will be played at Maracanã, the stage for unforgettable duels between the teams. Diego highlighted the significance of the classic taking place at the stadium, also commenting on the ease for the teams in terms of logistics.

"My teammates and I are happy that the game will be at the Maracanã. A game like this deserves a stadium like this. Besides being easier logistically, it's also a special stadium for a classic of national football. In short, it's a perfect venue and we're very excited about it," praised the Flamengo number 35.