Wearing the Sacred Mantle is not for just anyone. Reaching 100 games with Flamengo, then, is for an even smaller number of fortunate individuals. Last Sunday (September 13.09th), striker Paulinho joined the select group that holds this milestone.

The number 26 shirt was honored on Tuesday morning (September 15.09th). In a press conference, president Eduardo Bandeira de Mello presented the striker with a shirt bearing the number 100 and praised his career at Flamengo.

"Paulinho arrived in 2013 and nobody gave him a high price. But since then, he's only brought us joy," he stated. 

Paulinho also expressed his satisfaction and spoke hopefully about the future.

"I hope to honor this jersey. I feel very happy. I hope to be able to stay here for years and years. To play 200, 300 games. I intend to stay. To be a Brazilian champion, not only, but also a Libertadores champion," he stated.

To celebrate, in the match where he reached the impressive milestone, Paulinho scored a fantastic goal.

"When I scored, I couldn't believe I'd hit the target. At that moment, you can't think much. I just know I was surprised by the shot," he said.