Vinícius Pacheco has become a key player in Flamengo's football squad. After being loaned out several times and failing to establish himself at Gávea since 2006, the midfielder now finally feels useful to the club. He received the news from coach Andrade that he would be used at the beginning of the year, when he returned from Belenenses in Portugal, and is now reaping the rewards of his dedication and good work on the field.

\

The player had opportunities in the early rounds of the Campeonato Carioca, and now, with Petkovic's absence, he has definitively become the starting playmaker for the Flamengo team. According to him, this is the best moment of his career. Vinícius also reveals that he never gave up on his dream of becoming a star at Flamengo, and guarantees that he will work hard to maintain the high level he has been showing.

\

"I never lost hope of playing for Flamengo, and there's no denying that this is the happiest time I've been here. I feel useful. I think being loaned out helped, because I'm more mature, more competitive, and able to prove to everyone that I can help," he said.

\

Despite playing in Petkovic's position on the field, the young midfielder assures that, although he is directly competing with the Serbian for a starting spot, there is no rivalry whatsoever. According to him, Pet is an important figure within the group and playing alongside him is a pleasure.

\

"He's an idol and I'm looking for my place. He's extremely important, he has a history with the club, and I'm doing my part to prove that I can also be useful. There's no competition whatsoever, nothing like that. This group is very good, and I'm very happy to be getting a run of games here," he concluded.

\

Training - This Thursday, as is customary on post-match days, the players who played in the game against Olaria only did physical work; running laps around the field and doing activities in the gym. The rest of the squad played a practice match against the youth team. Meanwhile, in the morning, at Gávea, Petkovic did physical work and also technical drills with the ball.