He waited five years. He was promoted in 2005, still a youngster, but for obvious reasons, he couldn't handle the pressure of a team fighting relegation. Therefore, he was loaned to several clubs, both in Brazil and abroad, to gain more experience. Between comings and goings, he received the occasional opportunity, but without much success. Last year, however, his life began to change. He was integrated into the professional squad for good, and yesterday, Bruno Mezenga finally had a royal afternoon.

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"He was being criticized, even for his performance in the first game (against Duque de Caxias). Many thought I shouldn't put him on the field. But Mezenga has everything to be a great striker: he shoots with both feet, he's got good physical stature... He just needs to mature a little more," analyzed coach Andrade.

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Nicknamed after a character in the soap opera "King of Cattle," the striker became known as the "King of Goals" in the youth ranks, but in 20 appearances for the senior team, he had yet to make his mark. Against Volta Redonda, however, the number 37 jersey broke his spell. Adriano remains injured, and Vagner Love has not yet been registered, but the red-and-black fans didn't even have time to miss the "Empire of Love," because the Mezenga monarchy did its part.

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With two opportunistic goals, one a header in the 36th minute and another a superb cross from Vinícius Pacheco in the 42nd, the striker put Flamengo in a comfortable position to secure the victory over Voltaço. That's why Bruno Mezenga was the star of the show yesterday afternoon.

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"I always scored a lot of goals at the youth level, and today I was rewarded with my first two goals. I was promoted to the professional team in 2005, at the age of 16. It was a huge relief. I had already scored goals for other clubs, but this match will stay in my mind forever," said the player.