The Brazilian title won at the end of 2009 excited Flamengo's players, coaching staff, and fans. After such a positive year, where, for the first time in its history, the club won both the Rio de Janeiro and national championships in the same season, expectations are high for 2010. The year that begins this Friday could also be historic for the Rubro-Negro, especially if Flamengo fans' main desire comes true and the club wins the Copa Libertadores.

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That's why, this New Year's Eve, the Flamengo official website team is publishing statements from players, celebrities, former players, eternal idols, and fans, who hope 2010 will be even better than 2009. Their requests vary, but the vast majority involve winning the Copa Libertadores. Others already dream of the inauguration of the Flamengo Museum, and some are calling for the completion of the construction of the Ninho do Urubu (Vulture's Nest). It's worth checking out.

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Zico, the greatest player in Flamengo's history: "For me, 2009 wasn't surprising. What we always expect is for Flamengo to fight for titles. I think that's the most important thing. Having the ability to have a team that's up to the standards of Flamengo, which always has to have expectations for great years. I believe we had a very good end to the year in terms of football, but the club isn't just that. The club needs to focus on the bigger picture. Football is the main focus, but we also hope that the club is well-managed and revitalized. The club also needs to complete the construction of the training center, which is essential for any top team."

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Patrícia Amorim, president-elect of Flamengo: "Our budget has grown, but our structure hasn't. We have to adjust our house. My commitment is to manage Flamengo professionally. Transparency is a priority. May my red-and-black heart beat in each of you so that we can lead Flamengo to the greatness it deserves. I thank everyone who trusted in the ability of our work. I always said I would win the election, and I'm saying that Flamengo will be greater than it is today. We will achieve this."

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Gilmar Rinaldi, former goalkeeper and Adriano's agent: "This is a special moment for Flamengo, and the club has to take advantage of it, gain momentum, and soar. Some things need to be corrected, but I would like to congratulate those who did this work in 2009, bringing in Adriano and building a strong team... Many people worked for this and made Flamengo a giant once again. Now is the time to build on this momentum and continue working, because this is good not only for Rio de Janeiro football, but also for Brazilian and global football."

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Bruno Coimbra, president of CFZ and son of Zico: "The 2009 season couldn't have been better. Another Carioca, the Brazilian Championship that hadn't been won in a long time, but I think 2010 could be even more historic. Now the focus is on the Libertadores. To be champion, you have to maintain the group, bring in some reinforcements, see if they fit in, continue with the same approach, and if the work is done well again, the tendency is only to improve."

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Leonardo Moura, Flamengo's right-back since 2005: "Suddenly, this title comes to end my years of contract with Flamengo. To start writing the end of my book here. You know that last chapter of a soap opera that everyone wants? So... Then I'd see what to do. Take this family and travel the world. And the title is possible, with the group we have. If we believe like we did in the final stretch of the Brazilian Championship, it's very possible."

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Diogo Nogueira, singer and composer: "We're going to win everything in 2010. With this team, Andrade coaching, the work being done well... There will be no stopping us. The Emperor will stay and will lead us to the Libertadores and World Cup titles."

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Bruno, Flamengo's goalkeeper since 2007: "Every player is only remembered in the history of a club when they win titles. And I've already won four here at Flamengo. But I want more, I want the Libertadores."

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Marcelo Serrado, actor: "The priority is the Libertadores. Let's cheer. It's tough, there are strong teams like São Paulo, Corinthians... The tough teams from outside Brazil, like LDU and those teams that always make things difficult, but I believe that if we maintain our base, we can go far. I've seen many titles and I want to see more of this one."

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Maldonado, Flamengo midfielder since 2009: "In the Libertadores, all teams are tough. It's always difficult to play in Chile and Argentina, and it won't be any different for Flamengo. Our team still needs to improve a lot to face this competition. We hope to bring in players with experience, especially from the Libertadores."

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Smigol, SporTV reporter: "I think the team has to fight for the Libertadores. I believe the team has every chance of doing well, especially with the election of Patrícia Amorim. She will face a lot of prejudice because she's a woman, but she has everything it needs to succeed. The team is competitive, and if it maintains its core and drive, it will win titles. The state championship is mandatory; you have to win every year (laughs). But we have to focus on the Libertadores, which is the main objective."