The farewell was inevitable.
On a humid night at the Maracanã, Flamengo played their last Brasileirão match of the season. The stadium overflowed with red and black, voices rising in thunderous chants. In the 70th minute, Gabriel's number lit up on the board.
He walked off slowly, tears welling, kissing the crest one final time.
The Nação roared his name:
"Gabriel! Gabriel! Gabriel!"
That night, the news swept through Brazil and then the world:
"Liverpool secures Flamengo star Gabriel Silva in record transfer."
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Arrival in England
The wind in Liverpool was sharp, biting, so different from Rio's warmth. At John Lennon Airport, crowds of fans in red shirts gathered, holding banners that read: "Welcome Gabriel!" and "From Maracanã to Anfield."
Inside the training ground, Gabriel was greeted by players he had only admired from afar. Legends of the Premier League shook his hand, smiling. The coach clapped his shoulder and said, in a thick accent:
"You're here to light Anfield. Show us your fire."
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Baptism in Red
The Premier League was fast, ruthless. Defenders were towers, tackles ferocious, the pace unrelenting. But Gabriel's dribbles still flowed, his instincts still burned, his fire could not be smothered.
In his debut at Anfield, he came off the bench to a standing ovation. The Kop sang loudly, scarves raised high.
In the 84th minute, a loose ball found him at the edge of the box. He feinted left, cut right, and fired low into the corner. The net rippled.
Anfield erupted. The Kop roared his name. A Brazilian flame had just ignited in England.
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The Call of Brazil
A few days later, after training, the Liverpool manager handed him a folded note with a grin.
"Check this, lad."
Gabriel opened it, his heart skipping.
"Convocado: Gabriel Silva is in Brazil's preliminary squad for the World Cup."
He stood frozen, then laughed, tears pricking his eyes. The dream was no longer distant. The yellow jersey was calling.
That night, on a video call, his mother wept with joy. Mel, beside him in Liverpool, kissed his cheek and whispered:
"You're not just Flamengo's boy anymore. Now, you belong to the world."
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The World Awaits
Standing on Anfield's balcony after the match, Gabriel looked at the red sea of fans still singing outside the stadium.
He clenched his fist, fire burning in his chest.
"I conquered Rio. I conquered Brazil. Now I'll conquer England. And when the World Cup comes… the world will see me."
The flame of the Maracanã had crossed the ocean. And in the heart of Liverpool, it burned brighter than ever.