Val Baiano's debut for Flamengo, against Internacional, last Sunday (25.07), was not a victory, but even so, the player seems to have pleased coach Rogério Lourenço. Proof of this is that, this Thursday (29.07), in the first training session in which he defined the starters and reserves for Sunday's game (01.08), against Vasco, the striker was among the eleven who would start playing in the Clássico dos Milhões.

The striker says he's ready to take on the responsibility of being the club's main center forward. Aware of the pressure he may face, he promises to put in a lot of effort and believes in the quality of his teammates to help him excel individually.

"This is the right time. I'm in good physical shape. I hope to get back into rhythm as quickly as possible. I hope to play well in this derby. There will always be pressure at Flamengo. They're the club with the biggest fan base, they were Brazilian champions last year, and they always have to win," he said.

The player reveals that facing Vasco at Maracanã is a dream come true in his career.

"It's another dream come true: playing in a derby against Vasco. It's not a final or anything, but it's a dream. I'm in good physical shape, and it's going to be a very important match. To debut with a win and score goals is great," said the number 18, who knows that scoring against his rival is a great start to his career as a Flamengo starter.

"Everyone says we win, they criticize the low score. Here it will always be like this, winning and convincing. If I score against Vasco and we win, the press and fans will put me up there," he added.

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