PORTUGAL LEGEND

Maniche

Midfield

Portugal

Maniche about playing in the Legends Charity Game

"Throughout my career, I’ve been fortunate to play in countries all over the world – but nothing compares to the feeling of playing on home soil. In 2003, I was part of the Porto team that made history by becoming the first Portuguese club to win the UEFA Cup. This September, I’m on a new mission: to help make Portugal the first team to win the Legends Charity Game. Representing my country in Lisbon, and doing it for a cause that supports communities both here and around the world, is a true honour."

About

Having played for the three biggest clubs in Portugal and Chelsea, Inter Milan and Atletico Madrid, as well as being a consistent figure for his country, he is regarded as a Portuguese legend for his efforts.

Especially with Porto, where he won a historic Champions League title under Jose Mourinho. Fans will fondly remember his incredible strike from distance at Euro 2004 against the Netherlands, as perhaps his most notable goal.

CAREER ACHIEVEMENTS

International Level

A key figure for Portugal at Euro 2004, he was a driving force in midfield, helping them to reach the final. Netting twice, his stunner in the semi-finals against the Netherlands was key to their success and he was selected in the Team of the Tournament as a result. After that, he went on to feature heavily at the World Cup in 2006. Interestingly, he was left out of Euro 2008 and the World Cup in 2010, despite featuring heavily in both qualifying campaigns.

Club Level

A key figure for Porto, he was an instrumental presence in midfield as they won both European competitions in successive years as well as back to back league titles - he even earned the MOTM award in the final of the Intercontinental Cup in 2004. While his move to Chelsea failed to lift off, he found success on loan at Inter Milan, winning the league title but failed to establish himself in Italy or at Atletico Madrid.

Personal Honours

Won seven major honours at Porto, including the UEFA Cup and Champions League, before winning the Serie A at Inter. At international level, he was a Euro 2004 runner-up, and featured in the 2006 FIFA All-Star World Cup team, the Euro 2004 Team of the Tournament and the 2004 UEFA Team of the Year.