The Flamengo forward Gabriel Barbosa 'Gabigol' expressed his happiness on being chosen as the best player of the Copa Libertadores on Saturday, although he clarified that "without the Cup, it hasn't been perfect."
In a press conference after the match held on Saturday at the Estadio Centenario in Montevideo, which ended with Palmeiras defeating Flamengo 2-1, Gabigol stated that it is something "very special" to receive the recognition among "so many good players and well-structured teams."
Barbosa finished as the top scorer of the tournament with 11 goals, two more than in 2019, when he became champion with 'Mengao'.
"The last time I won, I got a tattoo of the Cup. When one is a champion, it leaves a mark, but I remain on the same line," he said, referring to the fact that without a title, he did not want to celebrate in the same way.
Gabigol acknowledged that Palmeiras was a great rival but that the final was "decided by a detail." "They were fortunate in that play (Pereira's mistake) and the first goal as well," he added.
The Brazilian forward was very eloquent in saying that he did not remember "what it was like to lose a title," so he commented that all his teammates must leave today "with their heads held high."
"I am happy because Flamengo has reached that level in reaching the finals more times. We won't win them all, but the motivation is always to be the champion."
Palmeiras defeated Flamengo 2-1 in the Copa Libertadores final held in Montevideo and won their third title, after the ones won in 1999 and 2020.