Following Flamengo's resounding 4-0 victory, it wasn't just coach Zé Ricardo who attended the press conference. Midfielder Diego, who opened the scoring with a free kick two minutes into the second half, spoke to journalists at the Maracanã. Wearing Zico's number 10 jersey in the CONMEBOL Libertadores Bridgestone, the player talked about his inspiration from Zico, the strength of the squad, and the great moment he is experiencing after returning to the Brazilian National Team.
"It's inexplicable to experience these moments here wearing the Flamengo shirt at the Maracanã. I stopped at some points when the ball wasn't rolling in the game and just analyzed it. It's unique. Only those who wear this shirt know this extra motivation. We have to continue together and many good things will come in the future," said the star player.
Fan club members have the pride of playing alongside each victory: the money goes to football and brings more reinforcements, new talent, and infrastructure to the training center. And they also have advantages in official stores to buy the jersey and wear it with pride! Click and join now.
See the main excerpts from the interview:
About wearing the number 10 jersey and scoring free kicks.
I thought of Zico when I was registered with the number 10 jersey. That memory was inevitable. But of course, I'm realistic, and there won't be another Zico in world football. He serves as an inspiration to me, and it's a great honor and a great pleasure to wear this jersey. Experiencing an atmosphere like today's was sensational and unforgettable. The Libertadores is very difficult; we still have a lot of work ahead of us. Today we took a big step, but it's time to keep our feet on the ground and work within our reality: qualifying for the next phase.
Call-up and the great moment in his career.
Without a doubt, this is one of the best moments of my life, both professionally and personally. The biggest challenge for a player is to surpass themselves, stay motivated, and reinvent themselves. And at 32 years old, I've been able to do that with Flamengo, a very well-structured team that has facilitated my work. A well-organized collective enhances individual brilliance. This is undoubtedly one of the best moments of my career. Returning to the Brazilian National Team means a lot to me. The overcoming of challenges, the pressure, the expectation—these are daily occurrences. Returning to my country with a club like Flamengo is a privilege. This phase has been wonderful.
What changes when Berrío comes in?
It's crucial for a team to have variations, especially in a championship like the Libertadores. All the teams are very well-studied, and that makes things difficult. What changes is exploiting Berrío's speed with deeper passes. Our challenge is this: to get the best out of each player. We've been doing this naturally, and everyone who has come on has responded well.
Reunion with a packed Maracanã stadium
It's a great privilege and honor. This situation is already an achievement. We can't forget all the effort the team made last year with the travels and difficulties. We overcame a lot of obstacles to get to this tournament and play a game like this. It's inexplicable to experience these moments here wearing the Flamengo shirt at the Maracanã. I stopped at some points when the ball wasn't rolling in the game and just analyzed it. It's unique. Only those who wear this shirt know this extra motivation. We have to continue together and many good things will come in the future.
Leadership
I try to be very honest. Of course, one or two players end up shining individually. But it's not false modesty when I say that I need a solid team, and Flamengo has demonstrated that. I'm very happy and satisfied to be able to help with my experience, but I also have my flaws and I try to improve. Sometimes I go looking for the ball in defense, and that change of movement is valid. I know my importance to the team and I will try to assume it to live up to expectations. But remembering that the team's performance is what makes the difference.
Return to the National Team and lessons learned in Germany
Germany taught me a lot, both professionally and personally. I have a great affection for the country and still have many great friends there. It contributed a lot to my success. Returning to the national team after ten years means a lot. It's very difficult. It's the most competitive national team in the world. But I believe it's thanks to this daily overcoming of challenges and finding a team that motivates you to achieve your dreams. This partnership with Flamengo has been perfect so far.
Strengths of San Lorenzo
They are a very experienced team that wants to slow the game down. This creates a difficulty; time passed and the goal didn't come. This creates danger. But overall, I saw our team well positioned, we knew what we wanted. We maintained our posture and ended up scoring four goals. Their midfielders have very precise passing, but we knew how to handle it very well.
"It's inexplicable to experience these moments here wearing the Flamengo shirt at the Maracanã. I stopped at some points when the ball wasn't rolling in the game and just analyzed it. It's unique. Only those who wear this shirt know this extra motivation. We have to continue together and many good things will come in the future," said the star player.
Fan club members have the pride of playing alongside each victory: the money goes to football and brings more reinforcements, new talent, and infrastructure to the training center. And they also have advantages in official stores to buy the jersey and wear it with pride! Click and join now.
See the main excerpts from the interview:
About wearing the number 10 jersey and scoring free kicks.
I thought of Zico when I was registered with the number 10 jersey. That memory was inevitable. But of course, I'm realistic, and there won't be another Zico in world football. He serves as an inspiration to me, and it's a great honor and a great pleasure to wear this jersey. Experiencing an atmosphere like today's was sensational and unforgettable. The Libertadores is very difficult; we still have a lot of work ahead of us. Today we took a big step, but it's time to keep our feet on the ground and work within our reality: qualifying for the next phase.
Call-up and the great moment in his career.
Without a doubt, this is one of the best moments of my life, both professionally and personally. The biggest challenge for a player is to surpass themselves, stay motivated, and reinvent themselves. And at 32 years old, I've been able to do that with Flamengo, a very well-structured team that has facilitated my work. A well-organized collective enhances individual brilliance. This is undoubtedly one of the best moments of my career. Returning to the Brazilian National Team means a lot to me. The overcoming of challenges, the pressure, the expectation—these are daily occurrences. Returning to my country with a club like Flamengo is a privilege. This phase has been wonderful.
What changes when Berrío comes in?
It's crucial for a team to have variations, especially in a championship like the Libertadores. All the teams are very well-studied, and that makes things difficult. What changes is exploiting Berrío's speed with deeper passes. Our challenge is this: to get the best out of each player. We've been doing this naturally, and everyone who has come on has responded well.
Reunion with a packed Maracanã stadium
It's a great privilege and honor. This situation is already an achievement. We can't forget all the effort the team made last year with the travels and difficulties. We overcame a lot of obstacles to get to this tournament and play a game like this. It's inexplicable to experience these moments here wearing the Flamengo shirt at the Maracanã. I stopped at some points when the ball wasn't rolling in the game and just analyzed it. It's unique. Only those who wear this shirt know this extra motivation. We have to continue together and many good things will come in the future.
Leadership
I try to be very honest. Of course, one or two players end up shining individually. But it's not false modesty when I say that I need a solid team, and Flamengo has demonstrated that. I'm very happy and satisfied to be able to help with my experience, but I also have my flaws and I try to improve. Sometimes I go looking for the ball in defense, and that change of movement is valid. I know my importance to the team and I will try to assume it to live up to expectations. But remembering that the team's performance is what makes the difference.
Return to the National Team and lessons learned in Germany
Germany taught me a lot, both professionally and personally. I have a great affection for the country and still have many great friends there. It contributed a lot to my success. Returning to the national team after ten years means a lot. It's very difficult. It's the most competitive national team in the world. But I believe it's thanks to this daily overcoming of challenges and finding a team that motivates you to achieve your dreams. This partnership with Flamengo has been perfect so far.
Strengths of San Lorenzo
They are a very experienced team that wants to slow the game down. This creates a difficulty; time passed and the goal didn't come. This creates danger. But overall, I saw our team well positioned, we knew what we wanted. We maintained our posture and ended up scoring four goals. Their midfielders have very precise passing, but we knew how to handle it very well.