The reunion between Maldonado and the Red-Black Nation
The Chilean midfielder hopes to see the Maracanã packed again and is counting on the fans for Wednesday's match.
By From the team at Flamengo's official website - in
The last time Maldonado saw a packed Maracanã was on October 31st of last year. On that occasion, in front of more than 80 fans, the Chilean midfielder played his final match before suffering a serious knee injury. With a goal from Adriano, Flamengo defeated Santos 1-0 and remained firmly in the hunt for a sixth championship title.
Next Wednesday, the Chilean hopes to see the Biggest Stadium in the World again, where the red-and-blacks have taken over. Fans are expected to turn out in large numbers for the match against Universidad de Chile.
"It's always good to play at Maracanã. It's different to have the support of the fans there, and I believe that this reunion on Wednesday has everything to be very good. I hope we can repay the affection with a victory," he said.
Signed for his vast experience, Maldonado will play his first match in the 2010 Copa Santander Libertadores this Wednesday. Aware that the competition is tougher than others, the midfielder is banking on the team's desire to win the title.
"The Libertadores is a championship that not just anyone can win. It's a tough tournament, and on Wednesday we need a win to get our qualification on track. At every club I've played for, the Libertadores has always been a priority. Here at Flamengo, it's no different, and we really want this title," he said.
Maldonado, who still dreams of playing for Chile in the World Cup, praised the progress of football in his country and expressed concern about the aerial balls played by next Wednesday's opponent.
"Chilean football is evolving a lot. Every year, new good players emerge, and Universidad de Chile has been having a great campaign in the National and Libertadores Cups. We have to be very careful, especially in the air, because they have a reference point in the box, a tall player who gives a lot of work," he concluded.
Next Wednesday, the Chilean hopes to see the Biggest Stadium in the World again, where the red-and-blacks have taken over. Fans are expected to turn out in large numbers for the match against Universidad de Chile.
"It's always good to play at Maracanã. It's different to have the support of the fans there, and I believe that this reunion on Wednesday has everything to be very good. I hope we can repay the affection with a victory," he said.
Signed for his vast experience, Maldonado will play his first match in the 2010 Copa Santander Libertadores this Wednesday. Aware that the competition is tougher than others, the midfielder is banking on the team's desire to win the title.
"The Libertadores is a championship that not just anyone can win. It's a tough tournament, and on Wednesday we need a win to get our qualification on track. At every club I've played for, the Libertadores has always been a priority. Here at Flamengo, it's no different, and we really want this title," he said.
Maldonado, who still dreams of playing for Chile in the World Cup, praised the progress of football in his country and expressed concern about the aerial balls played by next Wednesday's opponent.
"Chilean football is evolving a lot. Every year, new good players emerge, and Universidad de Chile has been having a great campaign in the National and Libertadores Cups. We have to be very careful, especially in the air, because they have a reference point in the box, a tall player who gives a lot of work," he concluded.