A product of Flamengo's youth academy, Paulo Sérgio isn't new to coach Rogério Lourenço. The coach worked with the striker in the youth ranks and is well aware of his potential. Perhaps that's why he celebrated the center forward's goal in the victory against Botafogo last Wednesday (July 14.07) even more.

Aware of the difficulties Paulo has faced in recent months, Rogério praised the player and expressed confidence in a good future for the striker in football.

"I'm happy his star has shone. He's a player who grew up at Flamengo, like most of those there, and he's always had a lot of talent. Today, with one of his first balls, he scored. We hope he can keep working, because he has everything it takes to have a great career," he said.

For the player, the example of Zico, now Flamengo's executive director of football, is a great inspiration for the future.

"It's a great joy to have Zico by our side. He's a great Flamengo idol, who teaches us so much, many examples from his career, and we're just grateful that he's with us," he concluded.

At 21 years old, after making his professional debut in 2007, Paulo Sérgio has already played 28 games for Flamengo. The derby against Botafogo was his first this season, and the goal he scored was the fourth of his career with the senior team.

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