Flamengo idol Petkovic awarded Tiradentes Medal, Rio’s top honour | OneFootball

Former midfielder is recognized by the Rio de Janeiro State Legislative Assembly for his years dedicated to Flamengo

Flamengo is about to gain another reason for pride off the pitch. That is because the Legislative Assembly of the State of Rio de Janeiro (Alerj) will grant an honor to former player Dejan Petkovic.

It is the Tiradentes Medal, considered the highest honor of the Rio de Janeiro state legislature. In this way, Mengão celebrates the recognition of one of the greatest idols in its own history.

WHY WILL PETKOVIC RECEIVE THE TIRADENTES MEDAL?

The tribute is provided for in Resolution Bill 2,773/26. In this way, the Assembly approved the text in a single round of discussion this Thursday (10). The bill now goes for promulgation by the president of Alerj, with publication in the Official Gazette of the Legislature expected in the coming days.

Born in Serbia but naturalized Brazilian, Petkovic built a career in Brazil marked by talent and years dedicated to Flamengo. In this way, the Serbian etched his name into sports history by starring in emblematic moments.

One example was the historic free-kick goal that secured the club’s third straight Rio state title in 2001. In addition, there was his standout performance in the Brazilian Championship in 2009, the year Flamengo won its sixth national league title.

Throughout his career in Brazil, Petkovic always showed social commitment. In this way, the former player supported initiatives aimed at developing young athletes and promoting inclusion through sport. In addition, the Serbian took part in social projects and community actions that encouraged citizenship. These actions also strengthened sports practice in communities with fewer opportunities.

PETKOVIC AT FLAMENGO

Petkovic arrived at Flamengo in 1999, after spells at Real Madrid (ESP) and Sevilla (ESP) in Europe. The Most Beloved signed the Serbian from Vitória and announced the player amid the Copa Mercosur title that same year. However, the foreigner left the club and returned to Mengão only in 2007, staying until 2009.

WHAT DID PETKOVIC WIN WITH FLAMENGO?

In addition to nearly 200 matches for Flamengo, Dejan Petkovic won two Rio state championships, one Copa dos Campeões, and one Brazilian Championship. The former midfielder was a key piece in the Brasileirão, alongside Adriano Imperador, in the team coached by Andrade.

That red-and-black generation became known as one of the most fondly remembered by the fans of the Most Beloved. In this way, Petkovic’s name remains linked to one of the periods of greatest connection between the squad and the supporters.

WHAT IS PETKOVIC DOING CURRENTLY?

After retiring from the pitch, Dejan Petkovic still tried to remain in football as a coach. That is because the former midfielder worked with Athletico-PR’s under-23 team, as well as professional clubs such as Criciúma, Sampaio Corrêa, and Vitória. Currently, ‘Pet’ is a commentator for Grupo Globo.

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