Thiago Motta

Football player infobox
playername = Thiago Motta


fullname = Thiago Motta
nickname =
height = height|m=1.88 [ [http://www.fcbarcelona.com/web/english/futbol/temporada_06-07/plantilla/jugadors/Motta.html FC Barcelona profile] ]
dateofbirth = birth date and age|1982|8|28
cityofbirth = São Bernardo do Campo
countryofbirth = Brazil
position = Central midfielder
currentclub = Genoa
clubnumber = 88
years = 1999–2001 2001–2007 2007–2008 2008–
clubs = Barcelona B FC Barcelona Atlético Madrid Genoa
caps(goals) = 101 (19) 96 (6) 6 (0) 0 (0)
pcupdate =
nationalyears = 2003–
nationalteam = Brazil
nationalcaps(goals) = 8 (1)
ntupdate = May 15 2008
ntupdate = May 15 2008

Thiago Motta (born August 28, 1982 in São Bernardo do Campo, São Paulo) is a Brazilian footballer that plays as a central midfielder for Serie A's Genoa C.F.C.. Although born in Brazil, Motta is also an Italian citizen.

Motta's main traits are physical display and a powerful mid-range shot. He is known to be injury-prone.

Club career

Motta began his professional career with FC Barcelona B in 1999 and eventually graduated to the senior team in 2001, making his first team debut on October 3, 2001, against RCD Mallorca (3-0 home win).

In the UEFA Champions League 2001-02, Motta made seven appearances and helped 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 center. He made thirteen league appearances in the 2002-03 season, as "Barça" finsihed runner-up, while also playing an important part in the following season's long UEFA Cup run, which was eventually ended by Celtic. Motta was sent off during half time after hitting out at Celtic goalkeeper Robert Douglas, who was also shown the red card, in an incident that happened in the tunnel.

Motta was also dogged by several injuries (as well as inconsistent performances), particularly one suffered on September 11, 2004 against Sevilla FC, which sidelined him for seven months, during his time at Barcelona. Motta would eventually need 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 league champions defeated Getafe CF 2-0, on April 17.

In August 2007, Motta moved to Atlético de Madrid for €2M. [ [http://www.clubatleticodemadrid.com/es/atleticoaldia/noticias.asp?id=20099 Motta becomes an Atlético player] es icon] Once again, he began the season on the sidelines, injured. In a "Copa del Rey" quarterfinal match against Valencia C.F., he was sent off after only 25 minutes. Atlético lost the match 1-0 and subsequently the tie.

Due to injury to habitual starter Raúl García and the departure of Maniche in January 2008, his opportunities increased. In March, however, the recurrent knee problems reappeared, and Motta's season was over, after a successful surgery and rehabilitation in the United States. He was strongly linked with a move to English side Portsmouth F.C. for the start of the 2008-09 season, but failed a medical at the club. [ [http://www.guillembalague.com/rumores_desp.php?id=69 Portsmouth: Thiago Motta on trial] ] Motta's career at Atlético was ended with his contract termination at the end of August 2008, and he joined Genoa C.F.C. the following month, after passing a medical. [ [http://www.uefa.com/footballeurope/news/kind=2/newsid=749301.html Motta given a chance by Genoa] ]

International career

Motta made his debut for Brazil in the 2003 CONCACAF Gold Cup, and went on to collect eight full caps.

References

External links

* [http://www.lfp.es/historico/primera/plantillas/historial.asp?jug=7060 Stats at Liga de Fútbol Profesional] es icon