FC Brazil

A fantastic pass for Manchester United’s first goal in the 2-0 win over Portsmouth, and the hard work that has earned him a lot of praise in England – and has made him explain back home why he is not the player he used to be. Anderson is back at his best after suffering with injuries this season. Wednesday’s night victory was so important to him and United that the Brazilian says he and the fans have started feeling the smell of more silverware.

“We are totally focused on winning the Premier League as soon as possible and then concentrate in the Champions League. We respected our opponents but the ‘smell of the Premier League trophy’ is already in the air. The fans are excited with the possibility of a quadruple, of winning four trophies this season. We see that on flags and banners and this gives us, players, even more confidence. We want to make history in Europe,” says Anderson, through his spokesman.

The midfielder  is yet to score his first goal for Manchester United in more than 70 appearances, but he swears he is more than happy to help with assistances and passes, like the one to Ryan Giggs who then sent the ball for Wayne Roney to score 1-0 against Portsmouth.

“I joked with the guys that the strikers should give me some of their cash because of my assistances. It makes things much easier for them,” laughs Anderson.

Only 21, Anderson has already won a Copa América with the Seleção and his honours with Manchester United include one Champions League, one Premier League, one Club World Cup and the League Cup.

He started his career at Grêmio FBPA labeled as new Ronaldinho, coming from the same ranks and because of his talent and hairstyle. He won the Brazilian Second Divison with Grêmio, scoring in the historic Batalha dos Aflitos (“Battle of the Afflicted”) against Náutico, a match also mentioned by Liverpool midfielder and former Anderson teammate Lucas in one interview to FC Brazil.

Anderson then moved to FC Porto where he won two Portuguese leagues and one Portuguese Cup. He was elected the best player of the 2005 U-17 World Cup in Peru and has also won the bronze medal in the 2008 Beijing Olympics.

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