Flamengo presented, early in the evening of this Wednesday (26/9), player Kléberson as the Club's newest reinforcement. The athlete signed a contract until the end of 2008, but will only be able to debut on February 1st, as he is serving a four-month suspension for breach of contract with his last club, Besiktas of Turkey.

The presentation was marked by a warm welcome from the fans, who carried him in their arms to the Rogério Steinberg Auditorium, the press conference venue. The 28-year-old player, who has played for Atlético-PR, Manchester United, Besiktas, and the Brazilian national team, spoke of the excitement of wearing the Flamengo jersey.

- "I'm very happy to be here. Flamengo is the biggest club in Brazil, with wonderful fans, and I want to be part of this story," the player declared.

At the press conference, which was attended by President Marcio Braga, vice-president of football Kléber Leite, vice-president general Delair Dumbrosck, lawyer Michel Assef Filho, director of football Marcos Braz and coach Joel Santana, Kléberson said that his desire to play for Flamengo has been with him since he was a child.

"Flamengo has a wonderful history. Every boy dreams of one day wearing this jersey, and it's no different for me. When I was a child, I always dreamed of playing for Flamengo in a game in front of a packed Maracanã stadium."

When asked about his anxiety about only playing next year, five-time world champion Kléberson couldn't hide his desire to get on the field straight away.

"I can't play due to the Brazilian Championship regulations and my suspension. I'd really like to be available soon. I'll try to contain my anxiety, but I know it will be difficult. I'll work hard during this preparation period to debut at 100% fitness."

Coach Joel Santana spoke about the importance of the reinforcement for Clube de Regatas do Flamengo.

"Flamengo is thinking big. We're getting a great player who's highly qualified. It's no wonder he's a World Champion. Kléberson is coming to be a starter for the team," concluded an excited Joel.

Datasheet :

Name: José Kléberson Pereira\ Date and place of birth: 19/06/1979, in Uraí-PR\ Clubs: Atlético-PR, Manchester United and Besiktas\ Titles: World Cup (2002), Copa América (2004), Brazilian Championship (2001), English Championship (2002/03)\