From being a skeptic and "just another player," Zé Roberto, like some of his teammates, turned things around and became a standout in Flamengo's sixth-ever championship. Tasked with providing speed to the red-and-black attack, the player successfully fulfilled his role in Andrade's scheme in the second half of the Brazilian Championship.

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Happy with his success at the end of the year, Zé celebrated the victorious season, in which he believes he's managed to recapture the good form he displayed during his time at rival Botafogo. For him, "it hasn't sunk in yet."

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"It ended up being a perfect year, the most wonderful of my career. Because of the turnaround I brought to the club, I arrived in the locker room and couldn't believe what we had achieved. It was truly special. I've been through so much hardship in life, and it hasn't even sunk in yet. Thank God I was able to regain the style of play that Flamengo fans expected of me. I think that was very important in this championship: gaining confidence," he commented.

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Despite his satisfaction at Gávea, Zé Roberto is under contract with Schalke 04 in Germany. Loaned to Flamengo until December 31st of this year, he still doesn't know if he'll stay. The German club will only release the player if he's bought out, and the fee is around R$5,1 million (€2 million).

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"I'm calm. Above all, I want to stay here. I'm sure the board will spare no effort to keep me, and I'm confident everything will work out. Everything is agreed between Flamengo and me; the only thing left is for the two clubs to reach an agreement. As far as I know, the board has already scheduled a meeting, but I'm out of the loop," he revealed.

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"Light" vacation

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To make the most of his time off from the field, Zé Roberto already has a destination in mind. He left for Salvador this Monday. However, he stated that he will take it easy during his vacation in the Bahian capital. At least he will stay away from the "food binges."

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"I don't like heavy food, I'm not really into it. I can't overdo it, because after the holidays, work gets even heavier. I'll have crab, something lighter. I can't overdo it, especially because my age doesn't allow it," he joked.

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Flamengo finished the Brasileirão with 67 points, two more than Internacional and São Paulo. Cruzeiro finished fourth, rounding out the group that will advance to the Copa Libertadores.