Volpi recalls Fluminense spell, hails Xerém: “One of life's best things”

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·17 July 2026

Volpi recalls Fluminense spell, hails Xerém: “One of life's best things”

Goalkeeper Tiago Volpi will face Fluminense again this Friday at the Maracanã as the Brazilian Championship resumes. In an exclusive interview with ge, the current Bragantino keeper recalled his time in Tricolor’s youth academy, said he holds no grudges over not staying at the club, and revealed that leaving Xerém was decisive for the development of his career.

According to Volpi, leaving Fluminense made him reflect on the way he carried himself off the field and marked a moment of professional maturity.

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— Leaving Fluminense was a turning point. Not staying there helped me a lot because I let a great opportunity slip away, and that made me rethink my attitude.

The goalkeeper said that, at the time, he was very young and believes he did not make the most of the opportunity. Even so, he still looks back fondly on the period when he wore the Tricolor shirt.

— Going through Xerém was one of the best things that happened to me, not only in my career but in my personal life as well. On the day I went to say goodbye, one of the club’s doctors told me, “I can’t believe you’re leaving. I was sure you would be Fluminense’s goalkeeper.” In the end, I didn’t get that opportunity.

Volpi also recalled, in a lighthearted tone, some stories from his time in the youth ranks.

— There are some funny stories from Xerém that I don’t think I can tell (laughs). Let’s just say I wasn’t exactly the most disciplined.

Besides reuniting with the club where he developed, this Friday’s match will also put Volpi face to face with Fábio, Fluminense’s goalkeeper and one of his role models in the position. The Bragantino keeper made a point of highlighting his admiration for Tricolor’s number 1.

— He knows how much I admire him; I’ve always made a point of saying that publicly. Fábio is above average in every aspect and has helped us a lot. The door remains open for 35-, 36-year-old goalkeepers because of everything he has done. Facing him is a source of pride.

Fluminense and Bragantino face each other this Friday at the Maracanã in a direct clash near the top of the Brazilian Championship table. The match marks both teams’ return to the competition after the World Cup break.

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