Marlon Freitas joins Palmeiras, ready as holding midfielder: 'Here to help' | OneFootball

Good afternoon, first I want to thank God for the opportunity. It's a great opportunity for my career and family. I understood, and the club also understood, that it was the end of a victorious cycle, full of struggle and resilience. It wasn't easy, considering the history and everything that was achieved. But everything has a beginning, middle, and end. I understood, and the club did too, that my cycle had ended there. And Palmeiras trusted my work, and the project presented as well. I liked it, my family did too, they decide for me. It was a good decision. I am very happy. I was very well received by everyone. Palmeiras has an excellent structure. Thank you to Palmeiras for the opportunity.

We haven't talked about it yet, but I can do both. Football has changed a lot, with the number 8 turning into a 5 and the 10 turning into an 8. My intention is to help. As our president said, it will be a difficult season, with many challenges, which I am sure will be victorious. I see no problem in playing either position, it's up to mister Abel. He gives a lot of freedom to the player and I like that too.

First, there was already a conversation with Palmeiras and, when it was advanced, Abel sent me a message. I was surprised. He gave me a 'good afternoon' and didn't reply anymore. Then there was a little issue with my departure from Botafogo, and when it was resolved, he called me on video and we talked. He is a great coach, very successful, a giant at Palmeiras. He will enhance me a lot. I am open-minded, seeking my best version. Maybe my version of the last three years is not enough to honor Palmeiras' jersey, I have to improve in many aspects. I am sure I will deliver many results here.

It wasn't easy, considering the history that was made. I have already thanked Botafogo for the opportunity, it's part of my history and there's no way to erase it. But the cycle has come to an end, everyone understood that. Now it's a new story that I am sure will be victorious.

I remember that game, where I said we were hoping for the first half to end quickly. Playing at Allianz is very difficult, but thank God now I'm on the favorable side. Anxious to feel the warmth of the fans. It will be a very special moment in my life, happy for Palmeiras' trust. I am sure it will be a very victorious year for us. It's a full calendar, different because of the World Cup. Working to achieve

As you mentioned, I was the first player in Serie A in long passes. It's one of my characteristics. I am already getting in sync with the attack staff, it's something the coaching staff asks a lot. We have forwards who attack depth a lot. I am sure it will be further enhanced here. I am sure Abel knows my characteristics.

That chair is empty for a reason. I am sure he is there watching. It's hard to talk, because my father was very important to me, my mother too, my whole family. That's why I asked them to be here at this moment. It wasn't easy, it won't be. They know my character, respect, honesty, and humility. I will achieve many things here with Palmeiras' jersey.

It's a delicate subject, but it's good you asked. It's something you won't hear often, it was something that marked me a lot. It's good you brought it up, I don't like to talk about it. It was an unfortunate gesture on my part. I didn't try to disrespect anyone, I apologized to Botafogo and Palmeiras fans. It's an opportunity to apologize to those who were offended. It won't happen again, it was something that was difficult for me. I will only change this on the field, for people to understand that I am not that Marlon. But this is my profile: it was an unfortunate incident that won't happen again.

1. 1/10 – Portuguesa vs. Palmeiras – 8:30 PM – Paulistão
2. 1/14 – Palmeiras vs. Santos – 7:30 PM – Paulistão
3. 1/17 – Palmeiras vs. Mirassol – 8:30 PM – Paulistão

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