Martinelli on chances for Xerém: “They’re the club’s future”

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·10. Juli 2026

Martinelli on chances for Xerém: “They’re the club’s future”

Fluminense took advantage of the 6-1 rout of Nova Iguaçu last Wednesday (8) at the Maracanã to give an opportunity to six players developed at Xerém. In the second half, coach Luis Zubeldía sent on Vagno, Keven Samuel, Ruan Sales, Wesley Natã, Júlio Fidélis, Riquelme, and Marcelo Pitaluga. After the match, midfielder Martinelli highlighted the importance of the space given to youngsters from the youth academy.

The No. 8 said that, even in a friendly, the boys see the opportunity in the senior team as a decisive moment in their careers.

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— I think every kid dreams of this opportunity. Sometimes people say it’s just a friendly, but for a kid, he treats it like a plate of food. He goes out there starving. We’re happy that these boys are getting plenty of opportunities. Fluminense has always given that space. One day it was there for me, for André, and for several players from Xerém. So, that’s very important. Photo: Marcelo Gonçalves / Fluminense FC

Finally, Martinelli emphasized the club’s tradition of developing players and praised the performance of the youngsters who took the field.

— They are the future of the club. It has always been this way. Xerém will always produce great players. All the boys who came on today did very well.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.