Alemão

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Ricardo Rogério de Brito, better known by his nickname Alemão (born on November 11, 1961 in Lavras, Minas Gerais is a former Brazilian football (soccer) player who played as a defensive midfielder. His nickname means German in Portuguese language.

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[edit] Nickname

The nickname "Alemão" ("the German") was attributed to his blond hair and fair complexion making him similar in appearance to the many German immigrants in Brazil. Interestingly Pelé revealed in an interview that he was also nicknamed "Alemão" during his early career by his teammates due to his relentless work ethic.

[edit] Career as a professional player

He started his career playing for a Minas Gerais' club called Fabril, in 1980. In 1981, he moved to Botafogo, of Rio de Janeiro, where he stayed until 1987. In 1987 and in 1988, he played for Atlético Madrid, of Spain. Between 1988 and 1993, he played for Napoli of Italy, along with star players like Diego Maradona and Careca. In 1992, he signed with Atalanta of Italy, he left the club in 1994. In 1994, he returned to Brazil, playing for São Paulo, where he stayed until 1996, when he moved to Volta Redonda and then retired from football.

He was capped 39 times for the Brazil national football team, scoring 6 goals and was part of the national team squad for the 1986 FIFA World Cup and the 1990 FIFA World Cup.

[edit] Career as a manager

In 2008 Alemão started his manager career at América Mineiro. The team is currently on second division of the Minas Gerais State League.

[edit] Honors

In 1985, he won the Bola de Prata award of Placar Magazine, playing for Botafogo, and won the EFE Trophy as best South American player in 1988, playing for Atlético Madrid.

When he was playing for Napoli, he won the UEFA Cup in 1989, and won the Italian Super Cup and Serie A in 1990.

In 1994, playing for São Paulo, he won two international titles, which are Recopa Sudamericana and Copa CONMEBOL.

[edit] External links