Two years after making his professional debut for Flamengo, then under coach Cuca, midfielder Rômulo will have another opportunity with the club's first team. Joel Santana has named him to start the Brazilian Championship match against Náutico this Saturday at Maracanã Stadium.

"I've been at Flamengo since I was 13. I feel ready to come in and do my job. I know very well what it's like to wear this shirt and win titles with it. Two years ago I had the opportunity, but some problems prevented me from doing it regularly. Now I'm sure everything will work out," said Rômulo, from Caxias do Sul, Rio Grande do Sul.

The fact that the team is going through a difficult time in the Brazilian Championship doesn't make the midfielder feel intimidated: "I'm not scared of being in this situation. What I and all the youth players want is an opportunity. It's happened, and I just have to play well and help the team win, preferably without conceding a goal."