A classic between Flamengo and Vasco is always an opportunity to make history. For players on both sides, it's the moment to give that extra something to boost their fans' confidence and help their team emerge victorious. Midfielder Willians is more than motivated for the duel against Vasco da Gama on Sunday at 19:30 pm at Maracanã.

Sent off in the Copa Libertadores debut against Universidad Católica, Willians was suspended and missed the Rubro-Negro's second game in the competition, on Wednesday (10.03). While his teammates traveled to Venezuela and faced Caracas, the number 8 remained in Gávea, training hard for the Clássico dos Milhões.

"It's always good to work hard. I didn't play, so I have to do my job here to be ready on Sunday. I was out for a while, injured, and I'm suspended today, so it's always good to have an opportunity to play so I don't lose rhythm," he said.

Having recovered from an injury that kept him out of the entire first round of the State Championship, the player is pleased with the medical department and promises to prove, on the field, that he can be, this season, the same Willians who was the biggest ball thief in the 2009 Brazilian Championship.

"I'm calm. The coaching staff is treating me well, the doctors were very attentive, as always, and that's the goal: to do well against Vasco. It's a huge motivation to play in a derby against Vasco and I'll do my best to do well," he added.

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Since arriving at Gávea, Willians has played 62 games for Flamengo, starting 59 of them. The midfielder has scored three goals, provided four assists, received 24 yellow cards, and been sent off four times.