Striker Fred had a sensational 2012, finishing top scorer as Fluminense won the Brasileirão, but is hoping for even more titles in 2013.
Fred, 29, who scored 20 goals in 28 games last season, believes Fluminense can get better this season and improve as a team.
“I will work to be better than in 2012,” he told Globo Esporte.
“How? With titles, goals, good performances. It was certainly my most amazing year. My best form, with greater importance within the club.
“With all positive results. Something that comes from 2011, a year in which I scored many goals but did not get titles.”
The main target for Fluminense is the Copa Libertadores, a competition they have never won, but Fred believes it is important to not put too much emphasis on one title.
“It’s a goal of ours. I told you obsession hinders. Our team works very hard, is very down to earth, and is aware of the strength of what we can do.
“We have maintained a base and a committee that knows how to get the most of it. We just need to take some precautions.”
Fred is back in pre-season training and admitted that it has not easy to recover from the long Brazilian season.
“I am in pain in the whole body but it is up to standard. You get 30, 35 days holiday and then end up doing nothing.
“During the holidays of 2011 I played lots of foot-volley, I played a lot of ball, but now as the year was very stressful, I did nothing but to rest the body itself.”
And the former Lyon striker also spoke about his ambitions with the Brazilian national team.
“Today I am aware and I learned that my business is just practice and play. I’ll give my best in the field, make goals, be a champion, it is important to gain trust.
“And also pass trust. Like Abel already knows me and trusts me, I’ll make Scolari also trust.
“Got to keep the good level of last year and the previous seasons. Making goals, playing at a high level.
“We have many players returning to Brazil for several reasons. Economically speaking the country is strong. This only increases competition.”
Source: Globo Esporte
