Ex-Flamengo star recalls Copinha tales with new signing | OneFootball

Pablo Maldini Played and Won the 2018 Copinha with Samuel Lino at Flamengo

By: Pedro Paulo Catonho and Rodrigo Lima

In the 2018 Copinha champion Flamengo, one of the great jewels was defender Pablo Maldini, a starter on the left side. On the other hand, little used and even out of the reserve bench in the big final, attacker Samuel Lino couldn't shine. Currently, the scenario 'turned around': the winger is without a club and awaits new opportunities; and the forward arrives at Mengão worth 22 million euros (R$ 142 million). Coluna do Fla had an exclusive chat with the old base promise about what the ex-Atlético de Madrid (ESP) was like seven years ago.

Pablo Maldini, who played the last Campeonato Baiano for Colo-Colo and is without a club, said that in 2018, Samuel Lino was shy, but with a "pure heart and very funny, very good people". In addition, the sideback recalled stories that ended in açaí, pastel, and 'tapa no visual'.

"We always cut our hair together there at Terreirão, in Recreio (Rio de Janeiro). There's also a little park that we used to call largo, in Vargem Grande itself, close to the CT (Ninho do Urubu). We would hang out on our days off, drinking açaí and eating pastel (laughs)", said Pablo, to Coluna do Fla.

WHO WAS PART OF THE 2018 COPINHA CHAMPIONSHIP TEAM?

Besides Maldini and Samuel Lino, the Flamengo team in the 2018 Copinha had names like Hugo Souza (Corinthians goalkeeper), Ramon (International sideback), Wesley Gasolina (former Juventus-ITA sideback), Vinicius Souza (Wolfsburg-ALE midfielder), Hugo Moura (Vasco midfielder), Pepê (Vitória midfielder), and Wendel (former Porto-POR and Santos attacker). The current success of the former Atlético de Madrid attacker caused surprise to Pablo.

"It's very surprising (Samuel's success). I think it's very cool when that happens, especially with people like him, good people, who deserve everything they're living. I don't have contact with him, no. The last time I spoke with him was a long time ago, I don't remember when. (I think he didn't do well at Flamengo) it was more a matter of adapting. Even though he had a lot of quality, at that time the main thing was adaptation".

WHAT IS MALDINI'S MESSAGE TO SAMUEL LINO AT FLAMENGO?

Just like he used to play at Atlético de Madrid, Samuel Lino already played on the left wing at Flamengo. According to Maldini, "rarely centralized". Now cheering for his old teammate, the sideback left a message for the attacker.

"That he be very happy wearing the Flamengo jersey again, but now professionally, and that he win many titles. I wish he gets a call-up for the Brazilian national team in the future", concluded Maldini, in an exclusive interview with Coluna do Fla.

HOW WERE MALDINI AND SAMUEL LINO IN THE 2018 COPINHA?

Samuel Lino entered in the second half of two matches in the 2018 Copinha. The debut happened in the second match of the first phase, against Elosport Capão Bonito, when Mengão won 5-0, and 'Samu' played for 14 minutes. Later, the new Flamengo reinforcement entered at 38' of the second half against Osasco Audax, in the round of 16, which ended 1-0.

On the other hand, Maldini participated in six games of the campaign, being a starter in three, including the big final against São Paulo, in which Flamengo won the title by 1-0, with a goal by Wendel, at the packed Pacaembu stadium. With the title, the sideback waited for opportunities in the professional team, but it didn't happen.

Thus, Maldini left Flamengo in 2020 and passed through Telavi (GEO), Estoril (POR), Trofense (POR), Boavista-RJ, Brasiliense-DF, América-RJ, and Colo-Colo-BA, where he played until February. Without a club, the Ninho player awaits new opportunities.

WHAT ARE MALDINI'S PLANS FOR THE FUTURE?

"Throughout my career, I had the chance to represent great clubs and learn a lot from each experience. Although I'm currently without a team, I've received proposals and I'm looking for the best opportunity to return to the fields. What motivates me is the passion for football and the commitment to always evolve, both individually and collectively. I have confidence that my dedication and desire to contribute to the team are my greatest differentials, and I'm ready to play again, represent the profession I love, and continue growing within the sport", concluded the 25-year-old athlete, the same age as Samuel Lino.

WHEN DOES SAMUEL LINO ARRIVE AT FLAMENGO?

Former partner of Pablo Maldini in the base, Samuel Lino arrives at Flamengo this Tuesday (29), at 9:35 am (Brasília time). The player, born in Santo André-SP, will undergo medical exams before being officially announced by the club. The contract will be for four years.

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