Motivation that comes from childhood
Dreaming of a chance at the professional level since he was 12, Antônio wants to start playing against Corinthians
By From the team at Flamengo's official website - in
The biggest dream of a player raised in a club's youth academy is to be promoted to the professional team. It's no different for midfielder Antônio. At 21, the midfielder, a Rio de Janeiro state champion in the U-17 and U-20 categories with Flamengo, has been waiting for eight seasons for an opportunity. And it could happen this Sunday (August 08.08) at Pacaembu Stadium.
On his first trip with the professional squad, the player could already be a starter for the Rubro-Negro against Corinthians. He and Fernando are competing for a spot in midfield to replace the suspended Correa for Rogério Lourenço's team. Motivated, he promises to do everything he can to seize the opportunity if he gets on the field.
"I'm very motivated. If Rogério chooses me, I'll do my best to help the team. It's my first trip, but I'm calm. It's an opportunity I've always waited for, since I was 12 years old, and if it comes, I'll grab it as best I can," he said.
For fans unfamiliar with him, Antônio explains how he can perform and says he's prepared for the responsibility of being a starter for the Red-Blacks. Having recovered from an injury that sidelined him for the first few games, despite having started for much of the offseason in Itu, he believes he can perform well in the Pacaembu match.
"I'm used to playing the role of holding midfielder. I'll be marking a lot, working hard to prevent Corinthians' attacks, and also trying to help with the ball coming out, creating good plays for our attackers," he added.
The young midfielder began his career in futsal. His first steps were on the courts of Vila Isabel. There, he caught the attention of other clubs and ended up at Fluminense. Thanks to his prominence in indoor soccer, the defensive midfielder was invited to Flamengo and make the transition to field soccer, where he remains today.
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On his first trip with the professional squad, the player could already be a starter for the Rubro-Negro against Corinthians. He and Fernando are competing for a spot in midfield to replace the suspended Correa for Rogério Lourenço's team. Motivated, he promises to do everything he can to seize the opportunity if he gets on the field.
"I'm very motivated. If Rogério chooses me, I'll do my best to help the team. It's my first trip, but I'm calm. It's an opportunity I've always waited for, since I was 12 years old, and if it comes, I'll grab it as best I can," he said.
For fans unfamiliar with him, Antônio explains how he can perform and says he's prepared for the responsibility of being a starter for the Red-Blacks. Having recovered from an injury that sidelined him for the first few games, despite having started for much of the offseason in Itu, he believes he can perform well in the Pacaembu match.
"I'm used to playing the role of holding midfielder. I'll be marking a lot, working hard to prevent Corinthians' attacks, and also trying to help with the ball coming out, creating good plays for our attackers," he added.
The young midfielder began his career in futsal. His first steps were on the courts of Vila Isabel. There, he caught the attention of other clubs and ended up at Fluminense. Thanks to his prominence in indoor soccer, the defensive midfielder was invited to Flamengo and make the transition to field soccer, where he remains today.
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