In an interview with Globoesporte, Gabriel ‘Gabigol’ Barbosa has spoken on a range of topics and firstly spoke on wishing to improve.

“It is a special moment for me, both on and off the pitch and I am very happy. I am used to the pressure as it is something I have had to deal with since I was young. Today I want to be better than yesterday and I am always thinking about having to improve in everything I do, not just as a footballer but as a human too.

He proceeded to discuss his decision to join Flamengo.

“I sat down with my family and spoke with them and I think Flamengo is the best place for me. Santos did not make any offer nor did I hear from their president. I think that all the players want to play at Flamengo, the club’s structure is sensational, it is a team that wants to win and the winning players want to be here, playing at Maracanã is special to me, I tattooed it on my leg done when I became an Olympic champion in 2016.”

He then spoke on his desire to return to the Brazilian national team.

“Debuting for the national team was a goal I had and I know that Flamengo can help me make a comeback in the national team but first I want to help Flamengo.”

Next he spoke on his spells with Inter and his loan move at Benfica.

“At Benfica and Inter I was very happy, regardless of the fact I played little. They were really nice to me. Of course things on the pitch did not go as I expected, but I was very happy. I did not have many chances and so I did not show what I know I am capable of.”

He concluded the interview by confirming he has prolonged his stay at Inter for another season.

“Inter has renewed my contract for another year and it is because they trust me. I am still very young, people forget that I am only 22 years old. My goal today is Flamengo, especially then let’s see what happens in the future.”