Rômulo hopes to establish himself in the starting lineup
Midfielder thanks God and Rogério Lourenço for the opportunity and promises to be very dedicated against Corinthians
By From the team at Flamengo's official website - in
Not even in his most optimistic thoughts would Rômulo have imagined that Flamengo's coaching change would be so beneficial for him. Of course, like any player who wasn't playing in the squad, he dreamed of a new opportunity to showcase his talent. But he couldn't have dreamed that he would not only be registered for the Copa Libertadores, but also named in the starting lineup for Flamengo's most important match of the year so far.
A gamble by coach Rogério Lourenço due to his height and marking ability, Rômulo has endured difficult times over the past two seasons. He suffered knee injuries, was loaned out to teams where he had to play through the run, and returned to the club with little faith. Even so, he never stopped working hard and, perhaps, was rewarded with the opportunity to start against Corinthians on Wednesday at Maracanã.
Visibly emotional and ready to prove his worth to the red-and-black team, the player promises to be fully dedicated in this Copa Libertadores Round of 23. In a press conference after Tuesday's training session, the XNUMX-year-old midfielder spoke about his career's comeback.
Check out the main excerpts from the interview:
Escalation - It was a surprise, for sure. I didn't expect this opportunity, especially since I hadn't even been selected. But Rogério has known me since the youth teams. He knows my potential, my style of play, and I'm happy he took a chance on me.
Conversation with Rogério - He talked to me and asked me to do what I've always done: defend heavily and dedicate myself. The defensive midfielder position is crucial because the team needs consistency in midfield. It's important to defend well and play with quality.
Importance of the game - Flamengo needs to win this game, and I need to win this game too. It's an important match for the team and for me. I'll do my best to help the team achieve this victory.
God - God is on my side. He always has been. He's the one who has given me strength these past few years. I've heard a lot of bad things about me. They even said I left Figueirense and returned to Flamengo due to technical issues. That wasn't it. It was because of my injury. Both there and in Paraná, I suffered greatly with my knee. I even had to take injections to train. But all that is in the past, and I'm only thinking about seizing this opportunity.
Idols - It's great to play alongside guys like Adriano. He's an idol on the field for me and also someone I look up to off the field. Kleberson too, he's a world champion player... It's really cool for you, growing up watching these guys play and never imagining you'll be alongside them one day.
Little chance - I only had two opportunities this year. I came on in the second half against Friburguense in the Carioca and played a friendly in Brasília, where I played the full 90 minutes. I think those opportunities were crucial for me, because I performed well. If I hadn't been able to, I wouldn't be here.
Loans - During the last two years, when I was loaned out, I still wasn't feeling well clinically. Last year, when I returned to Flamengo, I played in only one game, still feeling the injury. But today I can say I'm 100% and I'm confident I can make 2010 an even better year than 2007.
Ready for the game - I'm ready. When I started playing with Joel in 2007, I hadn't played in a while either. The important thing is to have a run. Vinícius Pacheco, for example, had his, and now I want my chance too. I'll fight hard for it.
Rogerio - Rogério is one of the most intelligent coaches I've ever worked with, and I believe he still has a lot to show. I root for him to succeed and believe he can do very well as a professional coach. That's why he's here and in charge of the U-20 team.
A gamble by coach Rogério Lourenço due to his height and marking ability, Rômulo has endured difficult times over the past two seasons. He suffered knee injuries, was loaned out to teams where he had to play through the run, and returned to the club with little faith. Even so, he never stopped working hard and, perhaps, was rewarded with the opportunity to start against Corinthians on Wednesday at Maracanã.
Visibly emotional and ready to prove his worth to the red-and-black team, the player promises to be fully dedicated in this Copa Libertadores Round of 23. In a press conference after Tuesday's training session, the XNUMX-year-old midfielder spoke about his career's comeback.
Check out the main excerpts from the interview:
Escalation - It was a surprise, for sure. I didn't expect this opportunity, especially since I hadn't even been selected. But Rogério has known me since the youth teams. He knows my potential, my style of play, and I'm happy he took a chance on me.
Conversation with Rogério - He talked to me and asked me to do what I've always done: defend heavily and dedicate myself. The defensive midfielder position is crucial because the team needs consistency in midfield. It's important to defend well and play with quality.
Importance of the game - Flamengo needs to win this game, and I need to win this game too. It's an important match for the team and for me. I'll do my best to help the team achieve this victory.
God - God is on my side. He always has been. He's the one who has given me strength these past few years. I've heard a lot of bad things about me. They even said I left Figueirense and returned to Flamengo due to technical issues. That wasn't it. It was because of my injury. Both there and in Paraná, I suffered greatly with my knee. I even had to take injections to train. But all that is in the past, and I'm only thinking about seizing this opportunity.
Idols - It's great to play alongside guys like Adriano. He's an idol on the field for me and also someone I look up to off the field. Kleberson too, he's a world champion player... It's really cool for you, growing up watching these guys play and never imagining you'll be alongside them one day.
Little chance - I only had two opportunities this year. I came on in the second half against Friburguense in the Carioca and played a friendly in Brasília, where I played the full 90 minutes. I think those opportunities were crucial for me, because I performed well. If I hadn't been able to, I wouldn't be here.
Loans - During the last two years, when I was loaned out, I still wasn't feeling well clinically. Last year, when I returned to Flamengo, I played in only one game, still feeling the injury. But today I can say I'm 100% and I'm confident I can make 2010 an even better year than 2007.
Ready for the game - I'm ready. When I started playing with Joel in 2007, I hadn't played in a while either. The important thing is to have a run. Vinícius Pacheco, for example, had his, and now I want my chance too. I'll fight hard for it.
Rogerio - Rogério is one of the most intelligent coaches I've ever worked with, and I believe he still has a lot to show. I root for him to succeed and believe he can do very well as a professional coach. That's why he's here and in charge of the U-20 team.