Journalist Emiliano Tolivia is a die-hard Fluminense fan, but he also maintains a special connection with Platense, an Argentine team from the city of Vicente López. This connection with the club from the outskirts of Buenos Aires came through paternal inheritance, since his father was a fan of the team. Emiliano recalls that whenever he heard the hypothetical question about which team he would cheer for in a matchup between Fluminense and Platense, he would respond with an awkward smile, as the possibility seemed too remote to be taken seriously.
The situation changed completely when both clubs qualified for the Libertadores. Fate wanted the quarterfinals to turn this unlikely duel into reality, pitting a traditional and historic Brazilian football team against a modest neighborhood team from Argentina. The coincidence made Emiliano finally have to face the question that before was merely hypothetical.
Emiliano guarantees there is no divided heart in this situation. He states there is no "divided heart" headline and that he is happy with the matchup. The journalist says he will be upset if Fluminense loses, but acknowledges that if Platense advances, he will cheer for the Argentine team in the following phases of the competition. The position was demonstrated symbolically when he accepted posing holding Platense's shirt while wearing only Fluminense's.
Even though the love for Fluminense speaks louder in Emiliano's life, it is inevitable that he maintains memories of his family's Argentine roots. The relationship with Platense represents an emotional bond inherited from his father, and although it is not his sporting priority, it is part of his personal and family identity.
