Rodrigo Caio knows Flamengo's history and is eager to write his own for the club.
Defender visits Fla Memória and sees the Rubro-Negro's greatest achievements up close
By Lucas Dantas - in
Rodrigo Caio was Flamengo's first signing for the 2019 season. The defender joined from São Paulo and arrived on the winning side of the Florida Cup this month. Rodrigo played in the second game, against Eintracht Frankfurt, and the team came away with a clean sheet, and the number three lifted his first trophy with the Sacred Mantle.
The player is now anxiously awaiting his debut in front of the nation on Sunday against Bangu, in the opening round of the Campeonato Carioca. Regularly registered, Rodrigo is already confirmed in the squad and will play. His starting lineup depends solely on Abel Braga. Even so, the defender can't wait to meet the fans at the stadium. As of noon this Friday, more than 12 tickets had already been sold for the game, with expectations of doubling that amount by Sunday.
"It's a great joy. (The ticket sales) show that the fans will be with us this year, will support us, will be on our side, and that's very important. I know how hard it is to play against them and how difficult it is to face these fans. Today I'm on their side and I'm very honored and happy. And the only thing I ask is that the nation support us, because the team on the field will fight for every result," said the player during a visit to Fla Memória, a space where all the club's trophies are displayed for visitors.
Rodrigo went to the Gávea headquarters to take the trophy he won in Florida and take the traditional tour. There, he saw some trophies that tell the story of Flamengo, as well as old jerseys and photos. The player paused for a long time in front of the Club World Cup he won in Japan, the trophy that caught his attention the most. He wants to add others to the gallery and has already shown his connection with the team to pursue further victories.
"I felt completely at home. It's an exceptional group, very welcoming. That's very important for a new player. You arrive feeling at home, and that makes it easier to step onto the field and show your potential. I'm happy and grateful for this welcome, not only from the group, but also from the board and coach Abel Braga, who is a great man," said Rodrigo, who also highlighted the team's chemistry.
"It's a very close-knit team, with players who know each other very well. I'm trying to get along with them, and training makes that much easier. I practically know every player in the group. During training, I try to understand everything about the player, how he attacks, how he marks. I like to see that because it's crucial. The adaptation has been very good, and I'm sure our debut will be great," he concluded.
Flamengo faces Bangu in the debut of the 2019 State Championship, at 17 pm on Sunday (20), at Maracanã