Zé Roberto recalls stirring 2009 moment with Adriano Imperador at Flamengo | OneFootball

Zé Roberto has recalled how Adriano Imperador galvanised Flamengo during the 2009 Brasileirão run that culminated in the title on the final day.

"Everything changed against Atlético-MG, because they said they would run over us and the media agreed. We were heads down, quiet and unmotivated in the tunnel to go out, but Adriano shouted, 'Guys, back, back, let's return to the dressing room'," he told Flamengo TV.

Back inside, Zé Roberto said Adriano played down Atlético’s confidence and stressed that fans in Rio believed in the team. He spoke to every player before adding: "Zé Roberto, you are my little engine. I only work with you, you complete me in attack, let's go. If everything goes wrong, lads, look at me because you have the Imperador by your side."

From that point, Flamengo climbed relentlessly up the table.

On the final day, they had to beat Grêmio and for Internacional to lose at the same time.

Flamengo did their part with a 2-1 win, David Braz and Ronaldo Angelim scoring, ending a 17-year wait for the Brasileirão.

Source: Coluna Do Fla