During a visit to Ninho do Urubu, midfielder Lucas Paquetá was moved while meeting Flamengo’s youth players, reflecting on his roots before returning to action in the Brazilian Serie A.
Lucas Paquetá‘s return to Ninho do Urubu went beyond the physical aspects of recovering from an injury. During a recent activity at the red-and-black training center, the midfielder was surprised by the energy of Flamengo‘s youth academy players, who greeted him with cheers and admiration, echoing the path the player himself took since arriving at the club at age ten.
The moment of connection between the Brazil national team star and the academy prospects reinforces the role model status that Paquetá carries. For the 28-year-old midfielder, seeing the enthusiasm of the boys brought back fundamental memories of his development, highlighting the weight of his journey to becoming a benchmark in international football.
The strength of the red-and-black academy
The player did not hide the emotional impact of being interrupted by the young athletes. For Paquetá, the club’s environment is a constant reminder that the process to reach the professional level is arduous and full of challenges.
“I think it hits you with a bit of nostalgia, some memories of everything I went through, of the whole process it takes to try and become a professional player, to be an example for them. It is very rewarding, and I wish them all the luck in the world.”
Imminent return to the pitch
After notable spells with Milan, Lyon, and West Ham, the number 20 is now focused on regaining his ideal physical form. The player had been sidelined due to a muscle injury in his left thigh, suffered during the World Cup. The M360 Team expects the player to be available for the Mais Querido‘s next challenge.
Flamengo is preparing to face Vitória this Sunday (09) at 7:30 PM, at the Maracanã. The match, valid for the 22nd round of the Brazilian Serie A, marks the midfielder’s return to the squad, serving as an important boost for the remainder of the season. Paquetá‘s presence increases the team’s competitiveness as they aim to stay firmly in the hunt for the top spots in the standings, solidifying the club’s restructuring project for the rest of the year.
