Paqueta celebrates call-up, but remains focused on the Brasileirão
Flamengo plays against Atlético-PR on Sunday looking to return to the top of the league
By Lucas Dantas - in
An unforgettable day, indeed. Midfielder Lucas Paquetá was called up to the Brazilian national team for the first time, fulfilling the expectations created among fans and teammates due to his decisive performances with the team this season. The number 11 will make his debut for the national team in friendlies against the United States and El Salvador in the USA on September 07th and 11th. "The Boy from the Nest" had previously played for the U-20 national team in 2016 and 2017.
Paquetá is one of the key players in the national team's renewal and also one of the pillars of Flamengo's 2018 campaigns. Very happy with the news, the 20-year-old knows that everything is just beginning and that he still has to work hard to maintain not only his place in Tite's team, but also the work he has been doing at Flamengo.
"I think today is a day to be added to the list of the happiest days of my life. I'm very happy. I need to thank my teammates and Flamengo, who gave me all the support to make this dream possible. The work here at Flamengo brings you closer and closer to great achievements and I will continue to fight for that," said the player in a press conference after training this Thursday at CT George Helal.
The joy of being called up is genuine, while the team's seriousness and focus remain. Lucas Paquetá doesn't forget that Flamengo has a crucial match on Sunday against Atlético Paranaense, which could mean regaining the top spot. Still unsure of which team will play, the midfielder is already looking ahead to the match at Arena da Baixada at 11 a.m.
"I don't know if I'll play on Sunday yet. We've rested, we've turned things around, the lead is at stake, and it's going to be a tough game. We can't do anything different from what we're already doing and go in with full force to come out with the win," warned Paquetá, who also commented on the simultaneous competitions.
"Competing in more than one competition is always more difficult, but we here are willing to go for it. That's what defines Flamengo: going in to win. We'll do our part to reclaim that lead," he added.
Check out Lucas Paquetá's full press conference below.