Romário seeks learning opportunities within Flamengo's professional squad.
The young striker doesn't hide his anxiety, but promises commitment in his first chance with the senior team.
By From the official website team - inIt's not just midfielder João Vitor who is being observed during Flamengo's preseason in Londrina. Another promising player from the youth divisions traveled with the group to Paraná: young striker Romário, one of the standouts of the under-17 Rio de Janeiro championship-winning team in 2010, is experiencing his first professional role with Flamengo in these first days of 2011.
And of course, the boy, only 17 years old, couldn't be happier. He knows, of course, that he still needs to work hard to advance in his career, but he doesn't hide his joy and excitement for these days that promise to be unforgettable. Therefore, he sees this opportunity as a golden chance.
"It's very important to be with players like Deivid, Renato... Being part of a squad like this is fundamental. I hope I can help. Of course, the anxiety is high, but I'm trying to stay calm to perform well on the field," said the namesake of the eternal Genius of the penalty area.
Born on the day that "Baixinho" (Romário) won the fourth World Cup title with the Brazilian national team in the United States, Romário has slightly different characteristics from his already celebrated namesake. He is known for his speed and the dribbling skills he often displays in attack.
"That's just my playing style. It always has been. I tend to attack, go forward and try to create plays. That's how I did well in the youth team, with speed and a lot of dedication," he added.
Pay attention to the youth academy – Coach Vanderlei Luxemburgo is keeping a close eye on what's happening in Flamengo's youth categories. Besides Romário and João Vitor, other names like Muralha, Digão, and Marllon are on the travel list. These are players who have been excelling in the youth ranks and are part of the group currently playing in the São Paulo Junior Cup.
"We've been monitoring the youth categories since last year. Jaime (assistant coach and former Flamengo defender) gives us reports on the boys. We have to create opportunities for them. It can't happen like in my time, where we were demotivated in the youth system because we knew we wouldn't have a chance with the professionals. Now, they know they are being observed and could be in the first team. The boys will participate in the team's training and, if they show they can stay, they will remain with us," he emphasized.
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