Thiago Motta
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Thiago Motta (born August 28 1982, São Bernardo, São Paulo, Brazil) is a Brazilian footballer that plays as a defensive midfielder for FC Barcelona and Brazil . Although born in Brazil, Motta is an Italian citizen. He made his debut for the Brazil in the 2003 CONCACAF Gold Cup.
Motta began his professional career with FC Barcelona B in 1999 and eventually graduated to the senior FC Barcelona team in 2001, making his senior debut October 3rd 2001 against RCD Mallorca.
In the 2001/02 UEFA Champions League, Motta made seven appearances and guided his team to the semi-finals. Although he had a string of fine performances, competition for places in an already congested midfield meant that he was unable to hold down a regular place in the centre. He made thirteen appearances in the 2002/03 premera season and Barça held on to second place.
Tall, physically strong and with a powerful mid-range shot, he has been nonetheless prone to injuries, which have sidelined him on several matches for his team during the 2003/04 season. Motta's season was put on hold because of a severe injury to his knee during a league match against Sevilla FC. He needed surgery to rebuild the anterior cruciate and lateral ligaments in his left knee. He was able to make a swift recovery and made an emotional comeback, taking to the field to rapturous applause as eventual champions Barça defeated Getafe CF 2-0 on 17 April.
Career Stats
Barcelona B 75/7
Barcelona 73/3
Brazil 8/0
| FC Barcelona - Current Squad |
|---|
| 1 Víctor Valdés | 2 Belletti | 3 Motta | 4 Márquez | 5 Puyol | 6 Xavi | 7 Gudjohnsen | 8 Giuly | 9 Eto'o | 10 Ronaldinho | 12 Gio | 14 Ezquerro | 15 Edmílson | 16 Sylvinho | 17 van Bommel | 19 Messi | 20 Deco | 23 Oleguer | 24 Iniesta | 25 Jorquera |
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