PLAYER PROFILE

Fabio Aurelio

Position: Defence

Height: 5'10

Weight: 11st 11lbs

Date of Birth: 1979-09-24 Sao Carlos, Brazil

Fabio Aurelio

On his arrival from Spanish side Valencia in the summer of 2006, Fabio Aurelio became the first ever Brazilian to play for Liverpool Football Club.

His arrival brought fresh competition to Liverpool's left side, with Aurelio able to play both left-back and left-winger as well as the holding midfielder role.

He began his career with Brazilian side Sao Paulo, making his first-team debut as an 18-year old in 1997. His next few years at the club proved very successful as they won the Sao Paulo State Championship in 1998 and 2000.

Aurellio also gained international honours during his time at the club, representing Brazil at Under-17, Under-20 and Under-21 levels and also played in the 2000 Sydney Olympics.

After the Olympic tournament, Aurelio made the move to Europe, joining Spanish side Valencia on a six-year contract. His second season at the club proved to be a successful one, as he helped them to their first La Liga title in 31 years. The following season saw his impressive performances continue as he started to find the back of the net regularly despite playing at left-back, scoring 8 league goals.

The following season proved another success for Valencia, winning both the La Liga title and the UEFA Cup. But it was a miserable campaign for Aurelio, who spent most of the season in the sidelines with a broken leg, making just 2 first team appearances.

At the end of his contract at Valencia, Aurelio decided to join his former mentor Benitez at Anfield. He joined Liverpool in July 2006 on a free transfer and proved able competition for John Arne Riise down the left-flank.

Injuries held up his early progress, but Aurelio established himself as first choice in 2007/08, leading to Riise's departure in the summer, though the arrival of Andrea Dossena gave him fresh competition in 2008/09. Spectacular free-kicks against the likes of Man United and Chelsea certainly helped his cause.