Fabio Messages delivered but no guaranteed response

Team(s):

Date of Birth:	Monday, July 9, 1990
Birth Place:	Brazil
Height:	172cm
Position:	Defender
Former Clubs/Teams:	Fluminense

Biography

Fabio is a defender for Manchester United in the English Premier League. He plays on the left-hand side of defence, where his typically Brazilian attitude to defending sees him racing up the flank to join the attack at all times possible. Fabio is not shy to get a challenge in, and looks to be good competition for Patrice Evra at left-back. He has captained the U-17 Brazil side, and is expected to be called up to the Selecao in the future.

Childhood

Fabio was born on 9th July 1990 in Petropolis, Brazil. He and his twin brother Rafael, also at Manchester United, spent countless hours playing football on the local parks and fields, and even in their small back-yard, to ensure they honed their technical skills and control of the ball as much as possible.

Early Career

Fabio signed up to play for Fluminese when he was a mere 13 year old, and enjoyed his time in their youth teams. His performances in the youth league were such that he was invited to the Brazil U-15 side, and by the age of 17 he had become captain. He was spotted playing for Fluminese in the Nike Cup, and Manchester United immediately wanted to sign them.

Current Club

Fabio signed for Manchester United, along with his twin brother, in February 2007. United agreed fees of around £1m each for their partner-club Fluminese. Fabio continued to play in the Fluminese reserves, and moved across to England in January 2008. Because he had a Portuguese passport no work-permit was required, but Fabio still had to wait until he was 18 to actually play for Manchester United in the league.

Fabio made his debut in the pre-season friendlies and impressed. A shoulder injury that required surgery forced Fabio out of the squad – whilst his brother Rafael was winning the World Club Cup, Fabio was recuperating at home – but he soon regained fitness and made his competitive debut against Tottenham Hotspur in the FA Cup in January 2009. Great things are expected of him.

International

Fabio has the skill and ability to play in the Gold and Green of Brazil at the very highest level. His commitment and professionalism singled him out as a leader, so he was made captain of the U-17 Brazil side at the U-17 World Cup. He was the team’s top scorer with two goals, and was a revelation down the left flank.