A much happier Father's Day
With the support of his wife and children, Leandro Amaral celebrates the holiday with smiles after a difficult year.
By From the team at Flamengo's official website - in
A little over a year ago, Leandro Amaral was diagnosed with a fungus called candidiasis, which he contracted after undergoing arthroscopy, a simple procedure in the life of a soccer player. What was a routine treatment ended up nearly ending the striker's career. But this Sunday (August 08.08), Father's Day, he has new reasons to smile again. And in large part, thanks to his children.
Five-year-old triplets Valentina, Lorenzo, and Felippo were the striker's main motivators while he was away from the field. Alongside his wife Tatiana, the children encouraged the striker to continue the treatment that earned him a contract with Flamengo, signed last week.
Therefore, on this Father's Day, two days after his 33rd birthday, Leandro, who will wear the number 33 jersey for Rubro-Negro as a way of honoring his sons, will have many reasons to smile: the return to football, the opportunity to play for Fla and the certainty that he will have, in addition to Flamengo's 35 million fans, three loyal fans at home.
"My family's support was very important during this time when I wasn't playing. Sometimes I thought I wouldn't return. But I have a beautiful, wonderful family. When I was about to open my mouth to say something like that, they told me I would overcome it, that they were with me. That's what helped me make this recovery," he said.
And if Valentina, Lorenzo and Felippo are already eager to see their father on the field, Flamengo fans are also awaiting the striker's debut, which could happen next weekend, against Ceará, or the following weekend, against Atlético Paranaense.
"I'm feeling good and I miss it. The fans ask me when I'll make my debut, and these first few days here at Flamengo have been great. The work is being done right, and I hope to make my debut as soon as possible. Maybe I'll be ready for the match against Ceará, but I think it'll be more certain in two weeks," he added.
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Five-year-old triplets Valentina, Lorenzo, and Felippo were the striker's main motivators while he was away from the field. Alongside his wife Tatiana, the children encouraged the striker to continue the treatment that earned him a contract with Flamengo, signed last week.
Therefore, on this Father's Day, two days after his 33rd birthday, Leandro, who will wear the number 33 jersey for Rubro-Negro as a way of honoring his sons, will have many reasons to smile: the return to football, the opportunity to play for Fla and the certainty that he will have, in addition to Flamengo's 35 million fans, three loyal fans at home.
"My family's support was very important during this time when I wasn't playing. Sometimes I thought I wouldn't return. But I have a beautiful, wonderful family. When I was about to open my mouth to say something like that, they told me I would overcome it, that they were with me. That's what helped me make this recovery," he said.
And if Valentina, Lorenzo and Felippo are already eager to see their father on the field, Flamengo fans are also awaiting the striker's debut, which could happen next weekend, against Ceará, or the following weekend, against Atlético Paranaense.
"I'm feeling good and I miss it. The fans ask me when I'll make my debut, and these first few days here at Flamengo have been great. The work is being done right, and I hope to make my debut as soon as possible. Maybe I'll be ready for the match against Ceará, but I think it'll be more certain in two weeks," he added.
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