From pastries with Lino to Copinha glory: ex-Flamengo man recalls | OneFootball

Pablo Maldini played and won the 2018 Copinha with Samuel Lino, at Flamengo

By: Pedro Paulo Catonho and Rodrigo Lima

In the Flamengo team that won the 2018 Copinha, one of the great gems was defender Pablo Maldini, a starter on the left wing. On the other hand, little used and even out of the bench in the grand final, striker Samuel Lino failed to shine. Currently, the scenario has 'flipped': the wingback is without a club and awaits new opportunities; and the winger arrives at Mengão worth 22 million euros (R$ 142 million). The Coluna do Fla had an exclusive chat with the former youth 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 of "pure heart and very funny, too good a person". In addition, the fullback recalled stories that ended in açaí, pastel and 'visual touch-up'.

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

WHO WAS PART OF THE 2018 COPINHA CHAMPION TEAM?

In addition to Maldini and Samuel Lino, the Flamengo team in the 2018 Copinha included names like Hugo Souza (goalkeeper for Corinthians), Ramon (fullback for Internacional), Wesley Gasolina (fullback ex-Juventus-ITA), Vinicius Souza (midfielder for Wolfsburg-GER), Hugo Moura (midfielder for Vasco), Pepê (midfielder for Vitória) and Wendel (striker ex-Porto-POR and Santos). The current success of the former Atlético de Madrid winger surprised Pablo.

"It's very surprising (Samuel's success). I think it's great when this happens, especially with people like him, good people, who deserve everything they are living. I don't have contact with him, no. The last time I spoke to 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 I think was that, the issue of adaptation".

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

Just as 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 fullback left a message for the striker.

"May he be very happy wearing the Flamengo shirt again, but now professionally, and may he win many titles. I wish that he gets a call-up in the future by our Brazilian National Team", concluded Maldini, in an exclusive interview with the Coluna do Fla.

HOW DID MALDINI AND SAMUEL LINO DO IN THE 2018 COPINHA?

Samuel Lino came on in the second half of two matches in the 2018 Copinha. His debut came 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 signing came on in the 38th minute of the second half against Osasco Audax, in the round of 16, which ended 1-0.

On the other hand, Maldini participated in six matches of the campaign, starting in three, including the grand final against São Paulo, in which Flamengo won the title by winning 1-0, with a goal from Wendel, in a packed Pacaembu. With the title, the fullback waited for opportunities in the professional team, but it did not happen.

Thus, Maldini left Flamengo in 2020 and went 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's creation 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 am currently without a team, I have been receiving offers and am 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 am confident that my dedication and the desire to contribute to the team are my greatest differentials, and I am ready to return to play, 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 youth team, Samuel Lino lands 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.