Valencia's mum thanks Flamengo for son's chance in Coluna do Fla exclusive | OneFootball

Ecuadorian mother watched her son play for the first time since his move to Royal Antwerp (BEL) eight months ago

Flamengo beat Independiente del Valle (ECU) 2-0 in Ecuador, the country where new signing Anthony Valencia was born. As a result, the forward got to reunite with his mother, Virginia, who spoke exclusively to Coluna do Fla after the match. The Ecuadorian can’t wait to watch her son play in Rio de Janeiro.

What did Anthony Valencia’s mother tell Coluna do Fla?

– I’m very happy to see my son playing for Flamengo. Yes, it was the first time I had seen him play. I hadn’t seen him since he moved to Royal Antwerp (BEL) eight months ago. I advised him to behave well, keep moving forward, and listen to the club’s professionals – said Virginia, who added:

– The truth is, I don’t know exactly who he looks up to today, but when he was little he wanted to be like Messi. I hope they continue succeeding and moving forward. We’re going to give our best for Flamengo. I’m very grateful to God and to my son for this opportunity – she told reporter Rodrigo Lima.

When is Anthony Valencia’s mother coming to Brazil?

I still don’t have a set date (to travel to Rio de Janeiro). I’ll go as soon as he gets his own apartment. Right now, he’s living with other teammates – the player’s mother added.

How did Anthony Valencia’s move to Flamengo happen?

Anthony Valencia joined the Rubro-Negro for 5 million euros, around R$30 million, paid to Royal Antwerp. Before moving to Brazilian football, the Ecuadorian made 84 appearances and scored 13 goals during his time with the Belgian club.

How was Anthony Valencia’s debut for Flamengo?

Anthony Valencia made his official debut against Remo at Mangueirão. The forward came on in the 84th minute in place of Samuel Lino, with Mengão’s win already all but secured. It was the Ecuadorian’s first minutes in Brazilian football.

Did Anthony Valencia previously play for Independiente del Valle?

Anthony Valencia came through Independiente del Valle’s youth academy. The Ecuadorian club is known for developing talents who later stand out abroad. Even so, few academy players reach the international level as early as Valencia did.

The winger had already won the U-20 Copa Libertadores with Independiente del Valle before moving to Europe. In that campaign, the Ecuadorians knocked out Flamengo U-20.

How did Flamengo beat Del Valle with Valencia on the bench?

Against the team that developed him, Anthony Valencia started and remained on the bench throughout the match. Even so, Flamengo secured the win with second-half goals from Bruno Henrique and Léo Pereira.

When is Flamengo’s next match?

With Anthony Valencia available, Flamengo’s next match is against Corinthians this Sunday (13) at 5:30 p.m. Brasília time, at the Maracanã. The game is for the 27th round of the Brasileirão.

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