Fernando has barely arrived at Flamengo and has already been warmly welcomed by the board. Everything indicates that this will be repeated when the midfielder has his first contact with the red-and-black squad. Toró, with whom he grew up in Fluminense's youth academy, and coach Andrade, who recommended his signing to the vice-president of football, have already discussed the player's arrival. Both praised the young midfielder's potential and believe that the signing will be a positive for the Gávea club.

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Fernando signed a one-year contract, with the possibility of a one-year extension. His presentation took place at Gávea, but he's most eagerly awaited by his new teammates, who are in Porto Feliz, in the interior of São Paulo, where Flamengo is conducting its preseason.

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"He's a close friend of mine. We played together from the youth team to the junior team at Fluminense. Fernando has a lot of quality and I'll be rooting for him. I hope he's well received by the red-and-black fans," said midfielder Toró.

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Fernando was Flamengo's first signing for this season. He's expected to arrive in Porto Feliz on Friday night and begin physical training on Saturday. Coach Andrade approved the signing.

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"I recommended him and he was within our budget. He's coming to fill the gap left by Airton's departure and Maldonado [who is injured]," said the coach.