After training this Friday (25), midfielder Saúl Ñíguez, 30, was officially presented to the Nação Rubro-Negra and gave a press conference at Ninho do Urubu. The Spaniard is the first reinforcement in the mid-year transfer window and will wear the number 8 shirt. Check out some excerpts from the presentation.

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Choose Flamengo

"When you see Flamengo competing in the Club World Cup, it makes you feel proud to belong to this club. I'm fortunate to have had a great career and now I could be wherever I want. I'm here because I want to be here, not for anything else. I feel a strong connection with the club, Filipe, my teammates, and what I've seen these days from abroad. Despite having other offers from Europe, financially better, I chose to come with my family to try to take a step forward. Not backward, but forward." 

Reunion with Filipe Luís

"It's a rare situation. I have a very good relationship with Filipe, which goes far beyond training and matches. When we played for Atlético de Madrid, he was always by my side. Filipe, the player, was already a coach because he had very clear ideas. It was very similar to the conversations we have today: the desire to win, the way we play. Having someone like Filipe will help me perform at my best and be able to help the team in every way." 

Debut with the Mantle

"I'm preparing day by day to be ready as soon as possible when the coach needs me. It's true that I'm coming back from vacation, an individual preseason, which isn't the same as doing it with the team. I hope to be ready as soon as possible." 

Preferred position

"I'm here to help with whatever the coach and the club ask of me. The position I've been considered best for is attacking midfield, but I can play in many positions. Sometimes it will benefit me, and other times it will benefit the team. I always prioritize the team over the individual."

Watch Saúl Ñíguez's press conference in full