Flamengo's Vágner Love looking to rekindle 'Empire of Love' partnership with Adriano

Flamengo striker Vágner Love has urged Adriano to get match-fit as soon as possible in order to rekindle their successful 'Empire of Love' partnership from 2010. 

The 28-year-old, who signed for Flamengo from CSKA Moscow in January, has scored nine goals so far this season, making him joint top goalscorer alongside Fred of Fluminense.

The Seleção international has now put pressure on new teammate Adriano to regain his fitness and get a game under his belt.

Love said: "I hope he [Adriano] can train and play soon, to feel the pleasure of playing for Flamengo and scoring goals to help us again.

"I'm sure he will be very happy with us. It was a great pleasure to know that Adriano returned to Flamengo, to his home, where he is always received very well."

Adriano, who re-signed for his boyhood club on a six-month contract last week, only featured in 16 matches last season due to a succession of injuries.

The 30-year-old, nicknamed 'the Emperor', had some great success alongside Vágner Love, who wears the number 99 shirt, when he joined the club on a season-long loan in 2010.

Love and Adriano played 18 games together throughout the period, with the pair scoring 12 and 15 respectively, and an overall season total of 38.

Despite the 'Empire of Love' partnership, Flamengo failed to advance past the quarter-final stage of 2010's Copa Libertadores and Love has now spoke of his desire to win titles with the Rubro-Negro and Adriano.

He added: "I have a great desire to win a title for Flamengo, not only alongside Adriano.

"As a fan I know what it would be like to see Flamengo as the champions. I imagine partying with my teammates at the end of the year after everything we've worked on.

"I imagine and hope it happens with me and every player of Flamengo."

Vágner Love is preparing to face Botafogo in the 19th round of the Brasileirão this evening but it is highly unlikely that Adriano will feature.