Clube de Regatas do Flamengo deeply mourns the passing of one of the greatest communicators in Brazilian sports. Washington Rodrigues, known as Apolinho, left us this Wednesday (15) at the age of 87, after battling cancer. During his decades-long career, he shaped the way we experience football. He created unforgettable expressions - it's impossible to remember Pet's goal in 2001 without remembering the announcement that "Saint Jude Thaddeus has just arrived" in Apolinho's voice.

Washington Rodrigues was the coach of Mais Querido in the year of our centenary and, even so, he was admired and adored by the fans of our rivals for his charisma, his impartiality and his passion. At the time, Apolinho was runner-up in the Supercopa Libertadores. Three years later, he returned to the club to serve as technical director. Washington often referred to the episode as a "call-up." A few months later, the broadcaster returned to the microphones for good at Super Rádio Tupi, where he remained until his death.

He left us on a night when Flamengo won with “chocolate” (4-0 over Bolívar) - an expression he invented to define the thrashings.

Thank you so much for so much, Apolinho! Rest in peace! ??