Countless requests and promises. Thousands of "Oh My Heart" and "My God, He's Coming." The tireless and boundless noise that the love of a nation can emit was present every minute until Diego Ribas arrived at Flamengo. Like an instant passion, the number 35 shirt captivated the biggest fan base in the world and made each of the 40 million fall in love with him.

A year ago, Diego began writing a new chapter in his victorious history with Flamengo. Announced by the club on July 19th and surrounded by celebration, the midfielder gained more and more trust from the fans, increasingly vying for the title of idol of the Nation.

The arrival

A sea of ​​red and black passion filled the unlikely corridors. Accustomed to thousands of daily comings and goings, the Santos Dumont Airport lobby was immersed in an atmosphere unseen for a long time. The Nation gathered more and more, united, awaiting a name. "Diego has arrived." The signing that brought the airport to a standstill. The symbol of a feeling that, until then, still needed to be discovered, but which became one of the main driving forces of the Flamengo squad. The dream of a Nation of 40 million passionate fans had finally become a reality. Diego Ribas da Cunha was, finally, part of the Most Beloved in the World. And his reception was worthy of his talent.

July 20, 2016, will forever be remembered as the day when Flamengo's spirit was once again displayed in its most passionate form. Airport, Gávea (Flamengo's headquarters), every single social media platform. Diego made his presence felt on the day of every Flamengo fan. The announcement of the number 35 jersey had the power to stir the passion of everyone who lovingly wears the Sacred Mantle (Flamengo's jersey).

With a packed auditorium and voices chanting his name wherever he went, Diego was officially presented in the Gávea's main hall, reaffirming his commitment to the Flamengo jersey. Choosing the number 35 shirt in honor of his sons Davi and Matteo, the midfielder promised that he would fight to defend the red and black in every match.

"I want to thank the Flamengo Nation for everything they gave me in just a few hours. On social media and in the streets. I could feel the affection. I will never forget this reception. I will do my best to reciprocate. Today a dream comes true in my life and I will live it intensely," said Diego.

First act

The long-awaited debut was separated by a month from the grand presentation day. On August 21, 2016, Flamengo went to the Mané Garrincha stadium to face Grêmio, a direct rival in the Brasileirão standings. Thus, Brasília was Diego's first stage in the red-and-black jersey.

It took 80 minutes of dedication and sweat until the goal finally came and the midfielder could celebrate with the Nation. After creating good opportunities and helping Flamengo pressure the opponent the entire time, it was from Pará's feet that the number 35's first goal for the beloved team emerged. With a header, Diego scored in the 24th minute of the second half and helped Mengão win that important match.

First date

It had been ten months since Flamengo last played on its grand stage. When it returned to the Maracanã in October 2016, Flamengo also had its new maestro. The reunion of the passionate Rio de Janeiro fans with the sacred ground also marked the first time a packed stadium saw the number 35 jersey. 

A cry that becomes a unison in a packed Maracanã. "Ih, ...". Yes, Diego appeared. And he justified every effort to have him, every voice echoing his name. In front of the stadium for the first time, the midfielder was involved in both goals of the 2-2 draw against Corinthians at the Maracanã. In the first, a beautiful assist for Guerrero. In the second, he was part of the play that left the number 9 in a great position to equalize the score.

King of the River

The first title with the Flamengo jersey was special. Playing in eight matches, six in the Taça Guanabara and two in the Taça Rio, Diego was part of the squad that painted Rio de Janeiro red and black once again. Scoring four times, against Boavista, Macaé, Madureira and Vasco, the player was very important in the journey towards the trophy.

Despite not being on the field, as he was recovering from an injury, Diego watched from the stands of the Maracanã as his teammates beat Fluminense twice in the grand final of the Campeonato Carioca. Undefeated, Flamengo reaffirmed itself as King of Rio and won the State Championship for the 34th time. On the pitch, the number 35 celebrated with the team and his family, becoming emotional as he lifted the trophy for the first time.

A red-black year

A year has already passed since that very special and memorable July 19th. Since then, there have been 42 official matches, 25 wins, 13 draws, and four losses. Diego has already left his mark 16 times, scoring ten goals in 2017 alone.

Another important characteristic of the player is his participation in offensive plays. Of his nine assists for Flamengo, three were for Paolo Guerrero (against Corinthians, Botafogo, and Chapecoense), two for Gabriel (against Vitória and San Lorenzo), two for Réver (against Internacional and Ponte Preta), one for Willian Arão (against Fluminense), and one for Miguel Traco (against San Lorenzo). In total, there were three in 2016 and six this season.

In his first year, Flamengo only suffered defeat once when Diego was on the field. He scored six goals and showed great commitment on the pitch in 18 matches.

His story in 2017 will continue to be written with all the talent and determination of the number 35. In 24 matches played, the midfielder scored ten times and will continue to be a fundamental part of the Flamengo squad.

Diego took responsibility and showed that his first words in a Flamengo shirt would be honored. He came to be happy and live the Flamengo passion, striving, game by game, to leave the beloved club where it belongs: at the top.