Despite the buoyant mood within the Fluminense camp following their remarkable escape from relegation in the Brasileirao 2009, their star striker Fred remains fully aware that there is plenty of work still to be done. “It was an intense season, packed with highs and lows,” the former Lyon player told FIFA.com.

“Of course we wanted to be in the hunt for more trophies, but in the end we only challenged for the Copa Sudamericana, and we didn’t get that either,” continued Fred, referring to the final defeat by Liga de Quito, the Ecuadorian side who also denied Flu Copa Libertadores glory in 2008.

“The team realised that, when we stick together, we can beat anyone. We realised that we needed grit and determination, something the fans really wanted too. That was how we managed to avert the crisis,” said the 26-year-old, whose team are currently chasing glory in the Campeonato Carioca and the Copa do Brasil.

The battle for attacking places is really fierce. It was very tough back in 2006 too, but I managed to clinch my spot. I’m hoping the same thing happens in 2010.
Fred on his quest to make the Brazil squad for South Africa 2010

And having drifted out of the Seleção picture, paying a heavy price for the injuries which plagued his time in French football, Fred will be hoping to continue his goal-laden form of late 2009 and force his way into Dunga’s plans for the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa™. “I was really struggling thanks to a succession of injuries and not getting a run of games,” said the ex-Cruzeiro goal-getter, whose time at Fluminense has also featured over two months on the sidelines courtesy of a serious thigh injury.

“That’s why I took my time in coming back to action. The recovery period is really important for helping an injury heal and coming back stronger, without taking risks. And I wasn’t getting enough time for that. But I made this latest comeback at just the right time, which ensured that I stayed confident (and injury-free) to the end of the year.”

However, after firing two goals in three games since the start of 2010, fresh muscle twinges have led to him being rested by Flu’s medical and coaching staff, who have one eye on the knockout rounds of the Taca Guanabara, which is the first phase of the state championship.

But if Fred hopes to return to world football’s top table, having played and scored for Brazil against Australia at Germany 2006, nothing short of his best form will do, particularly given the plethora of established Brazilian strikers who have returned home - a trend initiated by Ronaldo and Adriano in 2009 - to make competition for places in Dunga's attack fierce.

The latter underlined his renaissance by top-scoring in Flamengo’s Brasileirao 2009 triumph, and has a lethal new strike partner in the shape of Vagner Love. Robinho, for his part, has rejoined Santos to achieve the continuity that eluded him at Manchester City, while veteran Dodo has been piling scoring for fun at Vasco da Gama.

“The battle for attacking places with the national team is really fierce," admitted Fred. "It was very tough back in 2006 too but I managed to clinch my spot at the last minute. I’m hoping that the same thing happens in 2010.

“I know that whoever gets the nod will do a good job for the team. If I’m selected then I’ll fight for a starting place, despite the fact that Luis Fabiano is playing out of his skin. But my form deserves recognition too, given I played in 16 ‘finals’ last year and scored 13 decisive goals.”

Said determination will be music to the ears of the Fluminense faithful, particularly given how close Fred came to leaving the club during his lengthy injury lay-off. “Those thoughts did occur to me, but not for long,” he said.

I had offers from big European clubs, but I couldn’t leave Fluminense in that situation. I wouldn’t be able to look myself in the mirror.
Fred on his decision to stay at Fluminense and help them escape relegation last season

“I had offers from big European clubs like Sevilla, Tottenham (Hotspur) and Roma, but in my heart I wanted to stay. I couldn’t leave Fluminense in that situation (in the relegation zone). I wouldn’t be able to look myself in the mirror. I’d always left a good impression (at previous clubs) and I couldn’t let it be any different at O Fluzão.”

Is an eventual return to European football still on the cards? “I already spent three-and-a-half years at Lyon and won six titles: three French championships, one French Cup and two Super Cups. I think that’s a good haul,” said Fred, somewhat cryptically.

Lest Fluminense fans worry their idol’s thirst for success has been quenched by his spell with Les Gones, Fred’s opinion that “you can never win too many titles” should calm their fears. And though his hero status at the club is already assured, a trophy would do his popularity - and his case for a Brazil recall - no harm whatsoever.