Raul Meireles
Encyclopedia
Raul José Trindade Meireles (ʁɐˈuɫ mɐjˈɾɛl(ɨ)ʃ Ra-Ul Mey-Re-Lesh) (born 17 March 1983) is a Portuguese
footballer who currently plays for Chelsea
as a midfielder in the Premier League.
Raul Meireles started his career as a trainee with Boavista but was loaned to Desportivo das Aves from Liga de Honra
, where he made his professional debut. After a two-year loan spell he returned to Boavista where he made his Primeira Liga debut. By his great performances, Meireles was brought to the Portuguese powerhouse, FC Porto, winning three Primeira Liga titles in a row, adding two Portuguese Cups
and three Portuguese Supercups. In 2010 he moved to Liverpool
where he won the 2011 PFA Fans' Player of the Year award following a very successful first season in Premier League. On August 2011, Meireles signed for Chelsea
, joining his former manager André Villas-Boas with whom he had spent a short period of time.
In international football Meireles national career began at youth level when he represented the Under-16
side at the 2000 UEFA European Under-16 Football Championship
in Israel
. In November 2006 he was called up to the senior squad
for the first time. He later represented Portugal in the UEFA Euro 2008 and 2010 FIFA World Cup
.
(Portuguese second level football competition) signed Meireles on loan from Boavista, and he was presented on 8 July. He made his senior debut on 8 August 2001, in a friendly match against Gondomar
, which Desportivo das Aves won 3–0. In his first campaign, Meireles clocked up only 16 league appearances. In the 2002–03 season, on 25 May 2003, he scored his first senior goal against União da Madeira – Meireles fired a shot 30 metres out past the reach of the União goalkeeper. He scored just one goal in twenty-six league appearances that season.
In the 2003–04 season, he returned to Boavista after a two-year loan spell. Meireles made his debut in the Portuguese first league on 17 August 2003 against Benfica, and was chosen as the man of the match
by the Portuguese newspaper Record
. That season, he failed to score any goals, but he made 29 league appearances, proving that he was important for the team.
, coming off the bench in the 59th minute as they drew 1–1. On 18 February 2005, he made his first match in the starting XI, in an away league victory against Belenenses. Five days later, on 23 February, Meireles made his Champions League
debut against Internazionale
, playing the entire 90 minutes. During that season, he made only 13 league appearances, ten as substitute, recording no goals. In the 2005–06 season, on 19 February 2006, Meireles scored his first goal for the team in his 50th league appearance, where Porto beat Marítimo 1–0. Only three games later, on 10 March, he scored his second goal of the season in a 2–0 league victory over Vitória de Setúbal
. In that campaign, he scored two goals in 18 appearances, winning his first Portuguese league title and Portuguese Cup
. In the following four seasons, Meireles featured regularly in Porto's midfield. He scored his first goal in the Champions League during the 2006–07 season, on 21 February 2007, against Chelsea
. He won three Portuguese League titles in a row, in 2006–07, 2007–08, and 2008–09, adding two Portuguese Cups
in 2009 and 2010
.
for a fee of €
13 million, being awarded the #4 shirt, which was vacated by Alberto Aquilani
, who joined Juventus
in Italy
on loan. The club bought the player as an instant replacement for the Argentine
Javier Mascherano, who joined FC Barcelona
earlier that summer. He made his Premier League debut as a substitute on 12 September 2010 in a 0–0 away draw against Birmingham City
. Only four days later, he made his Europa League debut in a 4–1 victory over Steaua Bucureşti at Anfield
. He was handed his first league start on 19 September in a 3–2 loss against Manchester United
at Old Trafford
. Meireles scored his first goal for Liverpool against Everton
in a 2–2 premier league draw on 16 January 2011 in Kenny Dalglish
's first home game back as manager. His second goal came six days later, with a stunning right foot volley against Wolverhampton Wanders
in a 3–0 win. He scored his third goal in four games on 2 February 2011 in a 2–0 home victory against Stoke City
, and then made it four in five, by scoring the victory goal at Stamford Bridge
against Chelsea
on 6 February. Meireles increased his goal tally for the club on 12 February by scoring against Wigan Athletic
, taking his tally to five goals in six premier league matches. A couple of months after his goal streak, Meireles won the 2011 PFA Fans' Player of the Year
, beating the likes of Fernando Torres
, Samir Nasri
, Dimitar Berbatov
and David Luiz
.
Meireles started the 2011–12 Premier League
campaign as a 75th minute substitute against Sunderland
. In the following match, against Arsenal
, he didn't feature in the starting eleven again, coming off the bench in the 71st minute assisting one goal. Some days later, on 31 August 2011, he submitted a written transfer request, in the last minutes of the transfer window.
and an unsuccessful bid to acquire Luka Modric
from Spurs, on 31st August 2011, Meireles signed for Chelsea
on Deadline Day , on a four-year deal for an undisclosed fee reported to be in the region of £12 million. He chose the squad number 16, following in the likes of Arjen Robben
and coach Roberto Di Matteo
, a number he wears regularly when on international duty. Some days later, Meireles claimed that he never wanted to leave Liverpool
but the chance to work with André Villas-Boas, with whom he had spent a short period of time at FC Porto, was too good to turn down. He made his debut on 10 September 2011 against Sunderland
which ended in a 2-1 win for Chelsea with Meireles setting up Daniel Sturridge
's goal with a fine long pass. In the following month he scored his first Chelsea goal during their UEFA Champions League group stage
5–0 victory against Racing Genk
.
Although he features regularly for the Portugal national team
, Meireles' international career began at youth level. He represented the Under-16
side at the 2000 UEFA European Under-16 Football Championship
in Israel
, when his country advanced all the way to the final, beating Czech Republic
2–1. Next year, Meireles represented the under-17 team
in the 2001 Meridian Cup
held in Bari
, Italy
. In the tournament, he played the entire game on Portugal's opening match 6–0 victory against Nigeria
, then he started again in Portugal's following a 1–1 draw against Ghana
, and, on the third and last tournament match, he was again in the starting XI during the 4–2 victory over Cameroon
. Consequently, Portugal finished third in the competition. In November, he was named in the Portuguese squad for European Under-19 Championship qualifying tournament
, where Portugal assured a place in the major competition, and Meireles scored one goal in the 2–1 loss against Belarus
. On 2 June 2003, he was selected in the Portuguese Under-20 squad
for the 2003 Toulon Tournament
, which Portugal won and saw Meireles nominated second best player of the tournament.
Under-21 and Olympics
Raul Meireles featured regularly in the 2004 European Under-21 Championship
qualifying stage, including an epic playoff game against France
where the midfielder played the entire game, and Portugal emerged victorious 4–1 on penalties. As expected, he was named in the 2004 European Under-21 Championship Portuguese squad
. Meireles played in four of Portugal's five matches in the tournament, including the 3–1 defeat against Sweden
, the 2–2 draw against Switzerland
, and the 2–1 victory over Germany
, all in the group stage. He missed the semi-finals match due to a suspension, but he appeared again in the third place match victory against Sweden
, where Portugal assured a place in the 2004 Summer Olympics
. On 21 July 2004, Meireles was selected as a part of José Romão
's 18-man squad for the 2004 Summer Olympics
held in Athens
, Greece
. In the first group game against Iraq
, Meireles came on as a second-half substitute, where Portugal lost 4–2. He started the next two group stage matches. Portugal won their second game against Morocco
, and lost 4–2 in their third against Costa Rica
, and consequently, they were eliminated from the tournament.
In November 2006, Raul Meireles had his first appearance for the Portugal national team
, in a UEFA Euro 2008 qualifying match against Kazakhstan
. On 12 May 2008, Meireles was selected for the Portuguese Euro 2008 squad. In this tournament, he came on as a 83rd minute substitute in Portugal's first group stage match against Turkey
, scoring his first international goal. He then started alongside Portugal's reserve players in their third group match against host-nation Switzerland
. Four days later, Meireles made his third appearance in the tournament, when he came on as a substitute for João Moutinho
after 31 minutes in the quarter-final 3–2 loss against Germany
.
2010 FIFA World Cup
Meireles featured regularly in the 2010 FIFA World Cup qualifying matches. He scored an important away goal in the 1–0 victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina
, in the second play-off game after scraping a 1–0 win in Lisbon
. Portugal won 2–0 on aggregate and qualified for the final stages
in South Africa
. As expected, on 10 May 2010, Meireles was named in the Portuguese squad for the 2010 World Cup
. He started all of Portugal's matches at the tournament, scoring one goal in Portugal's second group stage match against North Korea
in Cape Town
. Portugal reached the Round of 16, where they lost 1–0 against eventual champions Spain
.
Senior Team
Portugal
Portugal , officially the Portuguese Republic is a country situated in southwestern Europe on the Iberian Peninsula. Portugal is the westernmost country of Europe, and is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean to the West and South and by Spain to the North and East. The Atlantic archipelagos of the...
footballer who currently plays for Chelsea
Chelsea F.C.
Chelsea Football Club are an English football club based in West London. Founded in 1905, they play in the Premier League and have spent most of their history in the top tier of English football. Chelsea have been English champions four times, FA Cup winners six times and League Cup winners four...
as a midfielder in the Premier League.
Raul Meireles started his career as a trainee with Boavista but was loaned to Desportivo das Aves from Liga de Honra
Liga de Honra
The Liga de Honra , known for sponsorship reasons as the Liga Orangina, is the Portuguese second level football league. It was formerly called Segunda Divisão and Segunda Divisão de Honra . When the LPFP took control of the two nationwide levels, it was renamed Segunda Liga, before renaming it...
, where he made his professional debut. After a two-year loan spell he returned to Boavista where he made his Primeira Liga debut. By his great performances, Meireles was brought to the Portuguese powerhouse, FC Porto, winning three Primeira Liga titles in a row, adding two Portuguese Cups
Taça de Portugal
The Taça de Portugal is the main Portuguese national football knock-out competition. The tournament has been officially known as the Taça de Portugal Millennium since 2008, due to its sponsorship by Portuguese private bank Millennium BCP. It has occurred on a yearly basis since 1938 and is...
and three Portuguese Supercups. In 2010 he moved to Liverpool
Liverpool F.C.
Liverpool Football Club is an English Premier League football club based in Liverpool, Merseyside. Liverpool has won eighteen League titles, second most in English football, seven FA Cups and a record seven League Cups...
where he won the 2011 PFA Fans' Player of the Year award following a very successful first season in Premier League. On August 2011, Meireles signed for Chelsea
Chelsea F.C.
Chelsea Football Club are an English football club based in West London. Founded in 1905, they play in the Premier League and have spent most of their history in the top tier of English football. Chelsea have been English champions four times, FA Cup winners six times and League Cup winners four...
, joining his former manager André Villas-Boas with whom he had spent a short period of time.
In international football Meireles national career began at youth level when he represented the Under-16
Portugal national under-16 football team
- FIFA U-16 World Championship :*1985: Did not qualify*1987: Did not qualify*1989: Third-place- UEFA European U-16 Football Championship :- Honours :* UEFA U-16 Championship* Montaigu Tournament...
side at the 2000 UEFA European Under-16 Football Championship
2000 UEFA European Under-16 Football Championship
The 2000 UEFA European Under-16 Football Championship was the 18th edition of UEFA's European Under-16 Football Championship. Israel hosted the championship, during May 1–14, 2000...
in Israel
Israel
The State of Israel is a parliamentary republic located in the Middle East, along the eastern shore of the Mediterranean Sea...
. In November 2006 he was called up to the senior squad
Portugal national football team
The Portugal national football team represents Portugal in association football and is controlled by the Portuguese Football Federation, the governing body for football in Portugal. Portugal's home ground is Estádio Nacional in Oeiras, and their head coach is Paulo Bento...
for the first time. He later represented Portugal in the UEFA Euro 2008 and 2010 FIFA World Cup
2010 FIFA World Cup
The 2010 FIFA World Cup was the 19th FIFA World Cup, the world championship for men's national association football teams. It took place in South Africa from 11 June to 11 July 2010...
.
Boavista (2001–2004)
In the summer of 2001, Desportivo das Aves from the Liga de HonraLiga de Honra
The Liga de Honra , known for sponsorship reasons as the Liga Orangina, is the Portuguese second level football league. It was formerly called Segunda Divisão and Segunda Divisão de Honra . When the LPFP took control of the two nationwide levels, it was renamed Segunda Liga, before renaming it...
(Portuguese second level football competition) signed Meireles on loan from Boavista, and he was presented on 8 July. He made his senior debut on 8 August 2001, in a friendly match against Gondomar
Gondomar S.C.
Gondomar Sport Clube is a Portuguese football club based in Gondomar, Porto District. Founded on 1 May 1921, it currently plays in the Portuguese third division, holding home games at Estádio de São Miguel, with a capacity of 5,000 spectators.-History:...
, which Desportivo das Aves won 3–0. In his first campaign, Meireles clocked up only 16 league appearances. In the 2002–03 season, on 25 May 2003, he scored his first senior goal against União da Madeira – Meireles fired a shot 30 metres out past the reach of the União goalkeeper. He scored just one goal in twenty-six league appearances that season.
In the 2003–04 season, he returned to Boavista after a two-year loan spell. Meireles made his debut in the Portuguese first league on 17 August 2003 against Benfica, and was chosen as the man of the match
Man of the match
In sport, a Man of the Match or Player of the Game or Man of the Series award is given to the outstanding player, almost always the one who makes the most impact, in a particular match or series. The term was originally used more often in cricket before being adopted by other sports. This can be a...
by the Portuguese newspaper Record
Record (newspaper)
Record is a Portuguese sports newspaper, published in Lisbon. Although it covers most sports, football is the focal point of it, and almost always is the only sport referred to on the cover....
. That season, he failed to score any goals, but he made 29 league appearances, proving that he was important for the team.
Porto (2004–2010)
On 7 July 2004, FC Porto signed Meireles on a five–year contract, being presented in press conference on 12 July. Wearing the #33 shirt, Meireles made his Porto debut on 22 September against União de Leiria at the Estádio do DragãoEstádio do Dragão
The Estádio do Dragão is a football stadium located in Porto, Portugal, with an all-seated capacity of 50,399. Inaugurated on November 16, 2003, it is the current home ground of F.C. Porto, having replaced the club's old venue, the Estádio das Antas...
, coming off the bench in the 59th minute as they drew 1–1. On 18 February 2005, he made his first match in the starting XI, in an away league victory against Belenenses. Five days later, on 23 February, Meireles made his Champions League
UEFA Champions League
The UEFA Champions League, known simply the Champions League and originally known as the European Champion Clubs' Cup or European Cup, is an annual international club football competition organised by the Union of European Football Associations since 1955 for the top football clubs in Europe. It...
debut against Internazionale
F.C. Internazionale Milano
Football Club Internazionale Milano, often referred to as Internazionale or simply Inter, is a professional Italian football club based in Milan, Italy. Outside Italy, the club is often called Inter Milan. They are the reigning FIFA Club World champions and Coppa Italia holders.Inter have always...
, playing the entire 90 minutes. During that season, he made only 13 league appearances, ten as substitute, recording no goals. In the 2005–06 season, on 19 February 2006, Meireles scored his first goal for the team in his 50th league appearance, where Porto beat Marítimo 1–0. Only three games later, on 10 March, he scored his second goal of the season in a 2–0 league victory over Vitória de Setúbal
Vitória F.C.
Vitória Futebol Clube is a Portuguese sports club from the city of Setúbal. Popularly known as Vitória de Setúbal with the motto "A Vitória será nossa" .- Domestic :*Portuguese Liga: Runners-up 1971–72...
. In that campaign, he scored two goals in 18 appearances, winning his first Portuguese league title and Portuguese Cup
Taça de Portugal
The Taça de Portugal is the main Portuguese national football knock-out competition. The tournament has been officially known as the Taça de Portugal Millennium since 2008, due to its sponsorship by Portuguese private bank Millennium BCP. It has occurred on a yearly basis since 1938 and is...
. In the following four seasons, Meireles featured regularly in Porto's midfield. He scored his first goal in the Champions League during the 2006–07 season, on 21 February 2007, against Chelsea
Chelsea F.C.
Chelsea Football Club are an English football club based in West London. Founded in 1905, they play in the Premier League and have spent most of their history in the top tier of English football. Chelsea have been English champions four times, FA Cup winners six times and League Cup winners four...
. He won three Portuguese League titles in a row, in 2006–07, 2007–08, and 2008–09, adding two Portuguese Cups
Taça de Portugal
The Taça de Portugal is the main Portuguese national football knock-out competition. The tournament has been officially known as the Taça de Portugal Millennium since 2008, due to its sponsorship by Portuguese private bank Millennium BCP. It has occurred on a yearly basis since 1938 and is...
in 2009 and 2010
2009–10 Taça de Portugal
The 2009–10 Taça de Portugal was the 70th season of the Taça de Portugal. The competition began on 30 August 2009, with the first round matches, and concluded with the final, held on 16 May at the Estádio Nacional, in Oeiras, between defending champions Porto and then Liga de Honra team Chaves...
.
Liverpool (2010–2011)
On 29 August 2010, Meireles moved to LiverpoolLiverpool F.C.
Liverpool Football Club is an English Premier League football club based in Liverpool, Merseyside. Liverpool has won eighteen League titles, second most in English football, seven FA Cups and a record seven League Cups...
for a fee of €
Euro
The euro is the official currency of the eurozone: 17 of the 27 member states of the European Union. It is also the currency used by the Institutions of the European Union. The eurozone consists of Austria, Belgium, Cyprus, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg,...
13 million, being awarded the #4 shirt, which was vacated by Alberto Aquilani
Alberto Aquilani
Alberto Aquilani is an Italian footballer who plays for Serie A club Milan on loan from Liverpool. He is also part of the Italian national team. Aquilani is a central midfielder, who can operate in a holding position or an attacking position in the hole behind the strikers...
, who joined Juventus
Juventus F.C.
Juventus Football Club S.p.A. , commonly referred to as Juventus and colloquially as Juve , are a professional Italian association football club based in Turin, Piedmont...
in Italy
Italy
Italy , officially the Italian Republic languages]] under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages. In each of these, Italy's official name is as follows:;;;;;;;;), is a unitary parliamentary republic in South-Central Europe. To the north it borders France, Switzerland, Austria and...
on loan. The club bought the player as an instant replacement for the Argentine
Argentina
Argentina , officially the Argentine Republic , is the second largest country in South America by land area, after Brazil. It is constituted as a federation of 23 provinces and an autonomous city, Buenos Aires...
Javier Mascherano, who joined FC Barcelona
FC Barcelona
Futbol Club Barcelona , also known as Barcelona and familiarly as Barça, is a professional football club, based in Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain....
earlier that summer. He made his Premier League debut as a substitute on 12 September 2010 in a 0–0 away draw against Birmingham City
Birmingham City F.C.
Birmingham City Football Club is a professional association football club based in the city of Birmingham, England. Formed in 1875 as Small Heath Alliance, they became Small Heath in 1888, then Birmingham in 1905, finally becoming Birmingham City in 1943.They were relegated at the end of the...
. Only four days later, he made his Europa League debut in a 4–1 victory over Steaua Bucureşti at Anfield
Anfield
Anfield is an association football stadium in the district of Anfield, Liverpool, England, with a seating capacity of 45,522. It has been the home of Liverpool F.C. since their formation in 1892 and was originally the home of Everton F.C. from 1884 to 1892, before they moved to Goodison Park...
. He was handed his first league start on 19 September in a 3–2 loss against Manchester United
Manchester United F.C.
Manchester United Football Club is an English professional football club, based in Old Trafford, Greater Manchester, that plays in the Premier League. Founded as Newton Heath LYR Football Club in 1878, the club changed its name to Manchester United in 1902 and moved to Old Trafford in 1910.The 1958...
at Old Trafford
Old Trafford
Old Trafford commonly refers to two sporting arenas:* Old Trafford, home of Manchester United F.C.* Old Trafford Cricket Ground, home of Lancashire County Cricket ClubOld Trafford can also refer to:...
. Meireles scored his first goal for Liverpool against Everton
Everton F.C.
Everton Football Club are an English professional association football club from the city of Liverpool. The club competes in the Premier League, the highest level of English football...
in a 2–2 premier league draw on 16 January 2011 in Kenny Dalglish
Kenny Dalglish
Kenneth Mathieson "Kenny" Dalglish MBE is a Scottish former footballer and the current manager of Liverpool F.C.. In a 22-year playing career, he played for two club teams, Celtic and Liverpool, winning numerous honours with both. He is the most capped Scottish player, with 102 appearances, and...
's first home game back as manager. His second goal came six days later, with a stunning right foot volley against Wolverhampton Wanders
Wolverhampton Wanderers F.C.
Wolverhampton Wanderers Football Club is an English professional association football club that represents the city of Wolverhampton in the West Midlands region. They are members of the Premier League, the highest level of English football. The club was founded in 1877 and since 1889 has played at...
in a 3–0 win. He scored his third goal in four games on 2 February 2011 in a 2–0 home victory against Stoke City
Stoke City F.C.
Stoke City Football Club is an English professional football club based in Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire that plays in the Premier League. Founded in 1863, it is the oldest club in the Premier League, and considered to be the second oldest professional football club in the world, after Notts...
, and then made it four in five, by scoring the victory goal at Stamford Bridge
Stamford Bridge (stadium)
Stamford Bridge is a football stadium in Fulham, in the London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham, West London, and is the home of Chelsea Football Club. The stadium is located within the Moore Park Estate also known as Walham Green and is often referred to as simply The Bridge...
against Chelsea
Chelsea F.C.
Chelsea Football Club are an English football club based in West London. Founded in 1905, they play in the Premier League and have spent most of their history in the top tier of English football. Chelsea have been English champions four times, FA Cup winners six times and League Cup winners four...
on 6 February. Meireles increased his goal tally for the club on 12 February by scoring against Wigan Athletic
Wigan Athletic F.C.
Wigan Athletic Football Club is an English Premier League Association football club based in Wigan, Greater Manchester, having been promoted from the Championship in 2005. Wigan's current spell in the Premier League is the only top flight run in the club's history.They have played at the DW...
, taking his tally to five goals in six premier league matches. A couple of months after his goal streak, Meireles won the 2011 PFA Fans' Player of the Year
PFA Fans' Player of the Year
The ESPN Professional Footballers' Association Fans' Player of the Year award is given to footballers in the top four flights of English football, the Premier League, the Championship, League One and League Two.The shortlist is compiled by the members of the Professional Footballers'...
, beating the likes of Fernando Torres
Fernando Torres
Fernando José Torres Sanz , nicknamed , is a Spanish footballer who plays for Chelsea and the Spain national team as a striker....
, Samir Nasri
Samir Nasri
Samir Nasri is a French international footballer who plays for English club Manchester City in the Premier League and the France national team. He primarily plays as an attacking midfielder and a winger, although he has also been deployed in central midfield. Nasri is known for his technical...
, Dimitar Berbatov
Dimitar Berbatov
Dimitar Ivanov Berbatov is a Bulgarian footballer who plays as a forward for Manchester United. He captained the Bulgarian national team from 2006 to 2010, and is its all-time leading goalscorer and has also won the Bulgarian Footballer of the Year a record seven times, surpassing the number of...
and David Luiz
David Luiz
David Luiz Moreira Marinho , known as David Luiz, is a Brazilian footballer who plays for Chelsea in the Premier League...
.
Meireles started the 2011–12 Premier League
2011–12 Premier League
The 2011–12 Premier League is the twentieth season of the Premier League since its establishment in 1992. The 2011–12 fixtures were announced on 17 June 2011 at 9:00 BST. The season began on 13 August 2011 and is due to end on 13 May 2012...
campaign as a 75th minute substitute against Sunderland
Sunderland A.F.C.
Sunderland Association Football Club is an English association football club based in Sunderland, Tyne and Wear who currently play in the Premier League...
. In the following match, against Arsenal
Arsenal F.C.
Arsenal Football Club is a professional English Premier League football club based in North London. One of the most successful clubs in English football, it has won 13 First Division and Premier League titles and 10 FA Cups...
, he didn't feature in the starting eleven again, coming off the bench in the 71st minute assisting one goal. Some days later, on 31 August 2011, he submitted a written transfer request, in the last minutes of the transfer window.
Chelsea (2011)
With Chelsea in the market for a midfielder following a long term injury to Michael EssienMichael Essien
Michael Kojo Essien is a Ghanaian footballer who plays for Chelsea and the Ghanaian national team. He is a midfielder who has often been touted as a box-to-box midfielder for his ability to exert boundless energy in supporting offensive and defensive play...
and an unsuccessful bid to acquire Luka Modric
Luka Modric
Luka Modrić is a Croatian footballer who plays for Tottenham Hotspur and for the Croatia national football team.Modrić's childhood coincided with the Croatian War of Independence. After showing promise in hometown club Zadar's youth team, he was signed by Dinamo Zagreb as a teenager in 2002. His...
from Spurs, on 31st August 2011, Meireles signed for Chelsea
Chelsea F.C.
Chelsea Football Club are an English football club based in West London. Founded in 1905, they play in the Premier League and have spent most of their history in the top tier of English football. Chelsea have been English champions four times, FA Cup winners six times and League Cup winners four...
on Deadline Day , on a four-year deal for an undisclosed fee reported to be in the region of £12 million. He chose the squad number 16, following in the likes of Arjen Robben
Arjen Robben
Arjen Robben is a Dutch footballer who plays for the German Bundesliga club Bayern Munich. Though often classified as a forward, he usually plays behind the forwards as a winger, and he is also known for his dribbling skills...
and coach Roberto Di Matteo
Roberto Di Matteo
Roberto Di Matteo is a Swiss-born Italian former professional footballer and the current assistant manager of Chelsea. As a midfielder, he enjoyed spells at Schaffhausen, Zürich Aarau, Lazio, and Chelsea. He was capped by Italy 34 times, scoring two goals for the Italian national team, and played...
, a number he wears regularly when on international duty. Some days later, Meireles claimed that he never wanted to leave Liverpool
Liverpool F.C.
Liverpool Football Club is an English Premier League football club based in Liverpool, Merseyside. Liverpool has won eighteen League titles, second most in English football, seven FA Cups and a record seven League Cups...
but the chance to work with André Villas-Boas, with whom he had spent a short period of time at FC Porto, was too good to turn down. He made his debut on 10 September 2011 against Sunderland
Sunderland A.F.C.
Sunderland Association Football Club is an English association football club based in Sunderland, Tyne and Wear who currently play in the Premier League...
which ended in a 2-1 win for Chelsea with Meireles setting up Daniel Sturridge
Daniel Sturridge
Daniel Andre Sturridge is an English footballer who plays for Chelsea and the England national team. He is primarily a forward, but has been used on the right flank as a winger for Chelsea...
's goal with a fine long pass. In the following month he scored his first Chelsea goal during their UEFA Champions League group stage
2011–12 UEFA Champions League group stage
This article details the 2011–12 UEFA Champions League group stage.The group stage will feature 32 teams: the 22 automatic qualifiers and the 10 winners of the play-off round ....
5–0 victory against Racing Genk
K.R.C. Genk
Koninklijke Racing Club Genk , usually referred to as Racing Genk or simply Genk, is a Belgian professional football club based in the city of Genk in Belgian Limburg. Racing Genk plays in the Belgian Pro League and they have won 3 Belgian champion titles in 1998–99, in 2001–02 and in 2010–11 as...
.
Youth teams
Under-16 to Under-20Although he features regularly for the Portugal national team
Portugal national football team
The Portugal national football team represents Portugal in association football and is controlled by the Portuguese Football Federation, the governing body for football in Portugal. Portugal's home ground is Estádio Nacional in Oeiras, and their head coach is Paulo Bento...
, Meireles' international career began at youth level. He represented the Under-16
Portugal national under-16 football team
- FIFA U-16 World Championship :*1985: Did not qualify*1987: Did not qualify*1989: Third-place- UEFA European U-16 Football Championship :- Honours :* UEFA U-16 Championship* Montaigu Tournament...
side at the 2000 UEFA European Under-16 Football Championship
2000 UEFA European Under-16 Football Championship
The 2000 UEFA European Under-16 Football Championship was the 18th edition of UEFA's European Under-16 Football Championship. Israel hosted the championship, during May 1–14, 2000...
in Israel
Israel
The State of Israel is a parliamentary republic located in the Middle East, along the eastern shore of the Mediterranean Sea...
, when his country advanced all the way to the final, beating Czech Republic
Czech Republic national football team
The Czech Republic national football team represents the Czech Republic in association football and is controlled by the Football Association of the Czech Republic, the governing body for football in the Czech Republic. Their current head coach is Michal Bílek...
2–1. Next year, Meireles represented the under-17 team
Portugal national under-17 football team
The Portugal national under-17 football team represents Portugal in international football at this age level and is controlled by Federação Portuguesa de Futebol, the governing body for football in Portugal.-FIFA U-17 World Cup Championship Record:...
in the 2001 Meridian Cup
UEFA-CAF Meridian Cup
The UEFA/CAF Meridian Cup features Under-18 representative sides from Europe and Africa, and is part of the co-operation programme between UEFA and the CAF.-Meridian Project:...
held in Bari
Bari
Bari is the capital city of the province of Bari and of the Apulia region, on the Adriatic Sea, in Italy. It is the second most important economic centre of mainland Southern Italy after Naples, and is well known as a port and university city, as well as the city of Saint Nicholas...
, Italy
Italy
Italy , officially the Italian Republic languages]] under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages. In each of these, Italy's official name is as follows:;;;;;;;;), is a unitary parliamentary republic in South-Central Europe. To the north it borders France, Switzerland, Austria and...
. In the tournament, he played the entire game on Portugal's opening match 6–0 victory against Nigeria
Nigeria national football team
The Nigeria national football team, nicknamed the Super Eagles or Green Eagles, is the national team of Nigeria and is controlled by the Nigeria Football Federation . The team has ranked as high as 5th in the FIFA World Rankings, in April 1994...
, then he started again in Portugal's following a 1–1 draw against Ghana
Ghana national football team
The Ghana national football team, popularly known as the Black Stars, is the national association football team of Ghana and is controlled by the Ghana Football Association...
, and, on the third and last tournament match, he was again in the starting XI during the 4–2 victory over Cameroon
Cameroon national football team
The Cameroon national football team, nicknamed Les Lions Indomptables , is controlled by the Fédération Camerounaise de Football and is Africa's most successful side in FIFA world cup; having qualified for the FIFA World Cup six times – in 1982, 1990, 1994, 1998, 2002 and 2010– more than any...
. Consequently, Portugal finished third in the competition. In November, he was named in the Portuguese squad for European Under-19 Championship qualifying tournament
2003 UEFA European Under-19 Football Championship
The 2003 UEFA European Under-19 Football Championship was held in Liechtenstein from 16 to 26 July 2003. Players born after 1 January 1984 can participate in this competition.- Venues :- Teams :The eight teams that participated in the final tournament were:...
, where Portugal assured a place in the major competition, and Meireles scored one goal in the 2–1 loss against Belarus
Belarus national football team
The Belarus national football team represents Belarus in association football and is controlled by the Football Federation of Belarus, the governing body for football in Belarus. Belarus' home ground is Dinamo Stadium in Minsk...
. On 2 June 2003, he was selected in the Portuguese Under-20 squad
Portugal national under-20 football team
The Portugal national under-20 football team is the national under-20 football team of Portugal and is controlled by the Portuguese Football Federation, the governing body for football in Portugal....
for the 2003 Toulon Tournament
Toulon Tournament
The Toulon Tournament is a football tournament which traditionally features invited national teams composed of under-21 players, although the first tournament in 1967 featured club teams...
, which Portugal won and saw Meireles nominated second best player of the tournament.
Under-21 and Olympics
Raul Meireles featured regularly in the 2004 European Under-21 Championship
2004 UEFA European Under-21 Football Championship
UEFA U-21 Championship 2004 was the 14th staging of UEFA's European Under-21 Football Championship. The final tournament was hosted by Germany between 27 May and 8 June 2004.Italy U-21s won the competition for the fifth time...
qualifying stage, including an epic playoff game against France
France national under-21 football team
The France national under-21 football team , known in France as Les Espoirs , is the national under-21 football team of France and is controlled by the French Football Federation. The team competes in the UEFA European Under-21 Football Championship, held every two years...
where the midfielder played the entire game, and Portugal emerged victorious 4–1 on penalties. As expected, he was named in the 2004 European Under-21 Championship Portuguese squad
2004 UEFA European Under-21 Football Championship squads
- Belarus:Head coach: Yuri Puntus - Croatia:Head coach: Martin Novoselac- Italy:Head coach: Claudio Gentile- Serbia and Montenegro:Head coach: Vladimir Petrović...
. Meireles played in four of Portugal's five matches in the tournament, including the 3–1 defeat against Sweden
Sweden national under-21 football team
The Swedish U-21 national football team is the football team representing Sweden in competitions for under-21 year old players. Sweden U21's current captain is Jiloan Hamad with Jakob Johansson as vice captain.-UEFA European U-21 Championship Record:...
, the 2–2 draw against Switzerland
Switzerland national under-21 football team
The Switzerland national under-21 football team is the national under-21 football team of Switzerland and is controlled by the Swiss Football Association...
, and the 2–1 victory over Germany
Germany national under-21 football team
The Germany national under-21 football team represents the under-21s of Germany in the UEFA European Under-21 Football Championship and is controlled by the German Football Association , the governing body of football in Germany....
, all in the group stage. He missed the semi-finals match due to a suspension, but he appeared again in the third place match victory against Sweden
Sweden national under-21 football team
The Swedish U-21 national football team is the football team representing Sweden in competitions for under-21 year old players. Sweden U21's current captain is Jiloan Hamad with Jakob Johansson as vice captain.-UEFA European U-21 Championship Record:...
, where Portugal assured a place in the 2004 Summer Olympics
Football at the 2004 Summer Olympics
The football tournament at the 2004 Summer Olympics started on 11 August, , and ended on 28 August.The men's tournament is played by U-23 national teams, with up to three over age players allowed per squad...
. On 21 July 2004, Meireles was selected as a part of José Romão
José Romão
José Pratas Romão , is a Portuguese football coach and former defender.He played for C.D. Beja, Vitória S.C., A.D. Fafe, Penafiel, G.D. Riopele, G.C. Alcobaça and Vizela.He coached Vizela, Penafiel, G.D...
's 18-man squad for the 2004 Summer Olympics
Football at the 2004 Summer Olympics
The football tournament at the 2004 Summer Olympics started on 11 August, , and ended on 28 August.The men's tournament is played by U-23 national teams, with up to three over age players allowed per squad...
held in Athens
Athens
Athens , is the capital and largest city of Greece. Athens dominates the Attica region and is one of the world's oldest cities, as its recorded history spans around 3,400 years. Classical Athens was a powerful city-state...
, Greece
Greece
Greece , officially the Hellenic Republic , and historically Hellas or the Republic of Greece in English, is a country in southeastern Europe....
. In the first group game against Iraq
Iraq national football team
The Iraqi national football team represents Iraq in international football and is controlled by the Iraq Football Association. They won the 2007 Asian Football Confederation Asian Cup tournament.-The Golden Generation:...
, Meireles came on as a second-half substitute, where Portugal lost 4–2. He started the next two group stage matches. Portugal won their second game against Morocco
Morocco national football team
The Morocco national football team , nicknamed أسود الأطلس , is the national team of Morocco and is managed by Eric Gerets. Winners of the African Nations Cup in 1976, they were the first African team to win a group at the World Cup, which they did in 1986, finishing ahead of Portugal, Poland, and...
, and lost 4–2 in their third against Costa Rica
Costa Rica national football team
The Costa Rica national football team, nicknamed La Sele, is the national team of Costa Rica and is controlled by the Federación Costarricense de Fútbol. Costa Rica is the third most successful team in CONCACAF after Mexico and the United States...
, and consequently, they were eliminated from the tournament.
Senior team
UEFA Euro 2008In November 2006, Raul Meireles had his first appearance for the Portugal national team
Portugal national football team
The Portugal national football team represents Portugal in association football and is controlled by the Portuguese Football Federation, the governing body for football in Portugal. Portugal's home ground is Estádio Nacional in Oeiras, and their head coach is Paulo Bento...
, in a UEFA Euro 2008 qualifying match against Kazakhstan
Kazakhstan national football team
The Kazakhstan national football team represents Kazakhstan in international men's association football and is directed by Football Federation of Kazakhstan. They split from the Soviet Union national football team after independence in 1991 and joined the Asian Football Confederation's Central and...
. On 12 May 2008, Meireles was selected for the Portuguese Euro 2008 squad. In this tournament, he came on as a 83rd minute substitute in Portugal's first group stage match against Turkey
Turkey national football team
The Turkey national football team represents Turkey in association football and is controlled by the Turkish Football Federation, the governing body for football in Turkey. They are affiliated with UEFA...
, scoring his first international goal. He then started alongside Portugal's reserve players in their third group match against host-nation Switzerland
Switzerland national football team
The Swiss national football team is the national football team of Switzerland...
. Four days later, Meireles made his third appearance in the tournament, when he came on as a substitute for João Moutinho
João Moutinho
João Filipe Iria Santos Moutinho is a Portuguese footballer who plays for F.C. Porto, also being a Portuguese international.Mainly a central midfielder, he can also operate as a holding or attacking midfielder, and on either flank.-Sporting:...
after 31 minutes in the quarter-final 3–2 loss against Germany
Germany national football team
The Germany national football team is the football team that has represented Germany in international competition since 1908. It is governed by the German Football Association , which was founded in 1900....
.
2010 FIFA World Cup
Meireles featured regularly in the 2010 FIFA World Cup qualifying matches. He scored an important away goal in the 1–0 victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina
Bosnia and Herzegovina national football team
The Bosnia and Herzegovina national football team is the national football team of Bosnia and Herzegovina, governed by the Football Association of Bosnia and Herzegovina...
, in the second play-off game after scraping a 1–0 win in Lisbon
Lisbon
Lisbon is the capital city and largest city of Portugal with a population of 545,245 within its administrative limits on a land area of . The urban area of Lisbon extends beyond the administrative city limits with a population of 3 million on an area of , making it the 9th most populous urban...
. Portugal won 2–0 on aggregate and qualified for the final stages
2010 FIFA World Cup
The 2010 FIFA World Cup was the 19th FIFA World Cup, the world championship for men's national association football teams. It took place in South Africa from 11 June to 11 July 2010...
in South Africa
South Africa
The Republic of South Africa is a country in southern Africa. Located at the southern tip of Africa, it is divided into nine provinces, with of coastline on the Atlantic and Indian oceans...
. As expected, on 10 May 2010, Meireles was named in the Portuguese squad for the 2010 World Cup
2010 FIFA World Cup
The 2010 FIFA World Cup was the 19th FIFA World Cup, the world championship for men's national association football teams. It took place in South Africa from 11 June to 11 July 2010...
. He started all of Portugal's matches at the tournament, scoring one goal in Portugal's second group stage match against North Korea
Korea DPR national football team
The Democratic People's Republic of Korea national football team represents the Democratic People's Republic of Korea in international association football and is controlled by the DPR Korea Football Association, the governing body for football in North Korea.North Korea surprised with a...
in Cape Town
Cape Town
Cape Town is the second-most populous city in South Africa, and the provincial capital and primate city of the Western Cape. As the seat of the National Parliament, it is also the legislative capital of the country. It forms part of the City of Cape Town metropolitan municipality...
. Portugal reached the Round of 16, where they lost 1–0 against eventual champions Spain
Spain national football team
The Spain national football team represents Spain in international association football and is controlled by the Royal Spanish Football Federation, the governing body for football in Spain. The current head coach is Vicente del Bosque...
.
International goals
Under–21| # | Date | Venue | Opponent | Score | Result | Competition |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | 17 February 2004 | Estádio do Bonfim Estádio do Bonfim Estádio do Bonfim is a multi-purpose stadium in Setúbal, Portugal. It is currently used primarily for football matches for Vitória F.C.. The stadium is able to hold 18,694 spectators and was built in 1962.-Portugal national football team:... , Setúbal Setúbal Setúbal is the main city in Setúbal Municipality in Portugal with a total area of 172.0 km² and a total population of 118,696 inhabitants in the municipality. The city proper has 89,303 inhabitants.... , Portugal Portugal Portugal , officially the Portuguese Republic is a country situated in southwestern Europe on the Iberian Peninsula. Portugal is the westernmost country of Europe, and is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean to the West and South and by Spain to the North and East. The Atlantic archipelagos of the... |
1–0 | 4–1 | Friendly Exhibition game An exhibition game is a sporting event in which there is no competitive value of any significant kind to any competitor regardless of the outcome of the competition... |
|
| 2. | 3 September 2004 | Skonto Stadium, Riga Riga Riga is the capital and largest city of Latvia. With 702,891 inhabitants Riga is the largest city of the Baltic states, one of the largest cities in Northern Europe and home to more than one third of Latvia's population. The city is an important seaport and a major industrial, commercial,... , Latvia Latvia Latvia , officially the Republic of Latvia , is a country in the Baltic region of Northern Europe. It is bordered to the north by Estonia , to the south by Lithuania , to the east by the Russian Federation , to the southeast by Belarus and shares maritime borders to the west with Sweden... |
0–1 | 1–2 | 2006 UEFA Under-21 Championship qualification 2006 UEFA European Under-21 Football Championship -Group B:---------------------Knockout stage:-Semi-finals:-----Final:-Goalscorers:4 goals Klaas Jan Huntelaar3 goals Thomas Kahlenberg Nicky Hofs2 goals Bryan Bergougnoux Ruslan Fomin Artem Milevskiy... |
Senior Team
| # | Date | Venue | Opponent | Score | Result | Competition |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | 7 June 2008 | Stade de Genève Stade de Genève Stade de Genève is a stadium in the greater Geneva, Switzerland area . It has a capacity of 30,084.-Overview:The stadium was completed in 2003 by Zschokke Construction S.A. after nearly three years of construction... , Geneva Geneva Geneva In the national languages of Switzerland the city is known as Genf , Ginevra and Genevra is the second-most-populous city in Switzerland and is the most populous city of Romandie, the French-speaking part of Switzerland... , Switzerland Switzerland Switzerland name of one of the Swiss cantons. ; ; ; or ), in its full name the Swiss Confederation , is a federal republic consisting of 26 cantons, with Bern as the seat of the federal authorities. The country is situated in Western Europe,Or Central Europe depending on the definition.... |
2–0 | 2–0 | UEFA Euro 2008 | |
| 2. | 12 August 2009 | Rheinpark Stadion Rheinpark Stadion The Rheinpark Stadion in Vaduz is the national stadium of Liechtenstein. It plays host to the home matches of the Liechtenstein national football team, and is also the home of Liechtenstein's top football club, FC Vaduz.... , Vaduz Vaduz Vaduz is the capital of the principality of Liechtenstein and the seat of the national parliament. The town, located along the Rhine, has about 5,100 inhabitants , most of whom are Roman Catholic. Its cathedral is the seat of a Roman Catholic archbishop.... , Liechtenstein Liechtenstein The Principality of Liechtenstein is a doubly landlocked alpine country in Central Europe, bordered by Switzerland to the west and south and by Austria to the east. Its area is just over , and it has an estimated population of 35,000. Its capital is Vaduz. The biggest town is Schaan... |
0–2 | 0–3 | Friendly Exhibition game An exhibition game is a sporting event in which there is no competitive value of any significant kind to any competitor regardless of the outcome of the competition... |
|
| 3. | 18 November 2009 | Bilino Polje Bilino Polje Bilino Polje is the home football stadium of Bosnian Premier League football club NK Čelik from the city of Zenica in Bosnia and Herzegovina and one of two stadiums of the national football team of Bosnia and Herzegovina. It is also sometimes used for the Bosnia and Herzegovina national rugby union... , Zenica Zenica Zenica is an industrial city in Bosnia and Herzegovina. It is the capital of the Zenica-Doboj Canton of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina entity... , Bosnia and Herzegovina Bosnia and Herzegovina Bosnia and Herzegovina , sometimes called Bosnia-Herzegovina or simply Bosnia, is a country in Southern Europe, on the Balkan Peninsula. Bordered by Croatia to the north, west and south, Serbia to the east, and Montenegro to the southeast, Bosnia and Herzegovina is almost landlocked, except for the... |
0–1 | 0–1 | 2010 World Cup qualification – Playoffs 2010 FIFA World Cup qualification - UEFA Second Round The UEFA second round was contested by the best eight runners-up from the nine first round groups from the UEFA segment of the qualification tournament for the 2010 FIFA World Cup in football. The winners of each of four home and away ties joined the group winners in the World Cup in South Africa... |
|
| 4. | 1 June 2010 | Complexo Desportivo da Covilhã Complexo Desportivo da Covilhã Complexo Desportivo da Covilhã is a multi-use stadium in Covilhã, Portugal. It is currently used mostly for football matches and is the home stadium of SC Covilhã who currently play in the Liga de Honra... , Covilhã Covilhã Covilhã is a city in Covilha Municipality in Centro region, Portugal. The city proper has 36,723 inhabitants, and the municipality has an area of 555.6 km² with a total population of 53,501, being composed of 31 parishes. It is located in the Cova da Beira subregion, in the district of... , Portugal |
1–0 | 3–1 | Friendly | |
| 5. | 1 June 2010 | Complexo Desportivo da Covilhã Complexo Desportivo da Covilhã Complexo Desportivo da Covilhã is a multi-use stadium in Covilhã, Portugal. It is currently used mostly for football matches and is the home stadium of SC Covilhã who currently play in the Liga de Honra... , Covilhã Covilhã Covilhã is a city in Covilha Municipality in Centro region, Portugal. The city proper has 36,723 inhabitants, and the municipality has an area of 555.6 km² with a total population of 53,501, being composed of 31 parishes. It is located in the Cova da Beira subregion, in the district of... , Portugal |
2–0 | 3–1 | Friendly | |
| 6. | 21 June 2010 | Cape Town Stadium, Cape Town Cape Town Cape Town is the second-most populous city in South Africa, and the provincial capital and primate city of the Western Cape. As the seat of the National Parliament, it is also the legislative capital of the country. It forms part of the City of Cape Town metropolitan municipality... , South Africa South Africa The Republic of South Africa is a country in southern Africa. Located at the southern tip of Africa, it is divided into nine provinces, with of coastline on the Atlantic and Indian oceans... |
1–0 | 7–0 | 2010 FIFA World Cup 2010 FIFA World Cup The 2010 FIFA World Cup was the 19th FIFA World Cup, the world championship for men's national association football teams. It took place in South Africa from 11 June to 11 July 2010... |
|
| 7. | 3 September 2010 | Estádio D. Afonso Henriques Estádio D. Afonso Henriques The Estádio D. Afonso Henriques is a football stadium in the city of Guimarães, Portugal.The stadium is home of Guimarães's most successful team, Vitória de Guimarães, presently completing in the top-flight Portuguese Liga... , Guimarães Guimarães Guimarães Municipality is located in northwestern Portugal in the province of Minho and in the Braga District. It contains the city of Guimarães.The present Mayor is António Magalhães Silva, elected by the Socialist Party.-Parishes:-Economy:... , Portugal |
2–2 | 4–4 | UEFA Euro 2012 qualifying UEFA Euro 2012 qualifying The qualifying competition for UEFA Euro 2012 is a series of parallel association football competitions held over 2010 and 2011 to decide the qualifiers for UEFA Euro 2012, to be held in Poland and Ukraine... |
|
| 8. | 12 October 2010 | Laugardalsvöllur Laugardalsvöllur Laugardalsvöllur is the national stadium of Iceland. It is located in Reykjavík, and seats 9,800 individuals, another 5,627 people can be seated on concrete benches, but due to FIFA restrictions they are rarely used.-Overview:... , Reykjavík Reykjavík Reykjavík is the capital and largest city in Iceland.Its latitude at 64°08' N makes it the world's northernmost capital of a sovereign state. It is located in southwestern Iceland, on the southern shore of Faxaflói Bay... , Iceland Iceland Iceland , described as the Republic of Iceland, is a Nordic and European island country in the North Atlantic Ocean, on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge. Iceland also refers to the main island of the country, which contains almost all the population and almost all the land area. The country has a population... |
1–2 | 1–3 | UEFA Euro 2012 qualifying |
Playing style
Meireles is primarily a central midfielder, but has on occasion played at the right side of midfield at Liverpool. His versatility is marked by him playing at both a deep and attacking role in the middle of the park, having mainly played in a defensive role while at Porto. Meireles has scored several goals from distance for Porto, Liverpool and the national team and likes to use his right foot for attempts at target.Personal Life
Meireles is married to Ivone, formerly Ivone Viana, with whom he has a daughter, Lara, born in 2005. The couple met while Meireles was a junior at Boavista, where Viana's cousin was also a player. The pair married at a lavish ceremony in Barcelos, Portugal in August, 2008.Club statistics
| Club | League | Season | League | Cup | League Cup | Europe | Total | |||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apps | Goals | Assists | Apps | Goals | Assists | Apps | Goals | Assists | Apps | Goals | Assists | Apps | Goals | Assists | ||||||||||
| Aves (loan) | Liga de Honra Liga de Honra The Liga de Honra , known for sponsorship reasons as the Liga Orangina, is the Portuguese second level football league. It was formerly called Segunda Divisão and Segunda Divisão de Honra . When the LPFP took control of the two nationwide levels, it was renamed Segunda Liga, before renaming it... |
2001–02 | 16 | 0 | – | 0 | 0 | 0 | – | 0 | 0 | 0 | 16 | 0 | 0 | |||||||||
| 2002–03 | 26 | 1 | – | 0 | 0 | 0 | – | 0 | 0 | 0 | 26 | 1 | 0 | |||||||||||
| Total | 42 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Boavista | Primeira Liga | 2003–04 | 29 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | – | 0 | 0 | 0 | 29 | 0 | 0 | ||
| Total | 29 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Porto | Primeira Liga | 2004–05 | 14 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | – | 1 | 0 | 0 | 15 | 0 | 0 | ||
| 2005–06 | 18 | 2 | 2 | 3 | 0 | |0 | – | 1 | 0 | 0 | 22 | 2 | 2 | |||||||||||
| 2006–07 | 25 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 7 | 1 | 0 | 33 | 4 | 2 | |||||||||
| 2007–08 | 28 | 4 | 4 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 8 | 0 | 0 | 39 | 4 | 4 | |||||||||
| 2008–09 | 28 | 4 | 7 | 4 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 10 | 0 | 4 | 42 | 5 | 12 | |||||||||
| 2009–10 | 25 | 2 | 6 | 6 | 2 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 8 | 0 | 1 | 40 | 4 | 10 | |||||||||
| Total | 138 | 15 | 21 | 17 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 35 | 1 | 5 | 191 | 19 | 30 | |||||||||
| Liverpool Liverpool F.C. Liverpool Football Club is an English Premier League football club based in Liverpool, Merseyside. Liverpool has won eighteen League titles, second most in English football, seven FA Cups and a record seven League Cups... |
Premier League | 2010–11 2010–11 Liverpool F.C. season The 2010–11 season was the 119th season in Liverpool Football Club's existence, and their 48th consecutive year in the top flight of English football. Liverpool were sponsored by Standard Chartered Bank, after their deal with long-running sponsors Carlsberg finished after 18 years of sponsorship... |
33 | 5 | 5 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 7 | 0 | 0 | 41 | 5 | 5 | |||||||
| 2011–12 2011–12 Liverpool F.C. season The 2011–12 season will be the 120th season in Liverpool Football Club's existence, and their 49th consecutive year in the top flight of English football.... |
2 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 1 | |||||||||
| Total | 35 | 5 | 6 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 7 | 0 | 0 | 44 | 5 | 6 | |||||||||
| Chelsea Chelsea F.C. Chelsea Football Club are an English football club based in West London. Founded in 1905, they play in the Premier League and have spent most of their history in the top tier of English football. Chelsea have been English champions four times, FA Cup winners six times and League Cup winners four... |
Premier League | 2011–12 2011–12 Chelsea F.C. season The 2011–12 season is Chelsea Football Club's 97th competitive season, 20th consecutive season in the Premier League, and 106th year in existence as a football club.-Key dates:... |
9 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 5 | 1 | 1 | 14 | 1 | 3 | |||||||
| Total | 9 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 5 | 1 | 1 | 14 | 1 | 3 | |||||||||
| Career Total | 253 | 21 | 29 | 18 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 0 | 1 | 47 | 2 | 6 | 320 | 26 | 40 | |||||||||
| Last Update: 20 October 2011 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Porto
- Portuguese LigaPortuguese LigaThe Primeira Liga , formerly called Primeira Divisão, currently named Liga ZON Sagres after their main sponsors, is the top professional association football division of the Portuguese football league system...
: 2005–06, 2006–07, 2007–08, 2008–09 - Taça de PortugalTaça de PortugalThe Taça de Portugal is the main Portuguese national football knock-out competition. The tournament has been officially known as the Taça de Portugal Millennium since 2008, due to its sponsorship by Portuguese private bank Millennium BCP. It has occurred on a yearly basis since 1938 and is...
: 2006, 2009, 20102009–10 Taça de PortugalThe 2009–10 Taça de Portugal was the 70th season of the Taça de Portugal. The competition began on 30 August 2009, with the first round matches, and concluded with the final, held on 16 May at the Estádio Nacional, in Oeiras, between defending champions Porto and then Liga de Honra team Chaves... - Supertaça Cândido de Oliveira: 2006, 2009, 2010
Country
- UEFA European Under-16 Football ChampionshipUEFA European Under-17 Football ChampionshipThe UEFA U-17 Championship is an annual football competition organised by the sport's European governing body, UEFA. From 1982 to 2001 it was an Under-16 event.This meeting serves as a preliminary competition for the FIFA U-17 World Cup every other year....
: 2000
Individual
- PFA Fans' Player of the Month: February 2011
- PFA Fans' Player of the YearPFA Fans' Player of the YearThe ESPN Professional Footballers' Association Fans' Player of the Year award is given to footballers in the top four flights of English football, the Premier League, the Championship, League One and League Two.The shortlist is compiled by the members of the Professional Footballers'...
: 2011