A FORGOTTEN Chelsea star who was in comparison with Claude Makelele ended up within the fourth tier of German soccer… after enjoying simply as soon as for the Blues.
Carlos Luciano da Silva, higher recognized merely as Mineiro, was seen as one of many world’s hottest skills when he was snapped up by Luiz Felipe Scolari in 2008.
Mineiro began only one recreation for ChelseaCredit score: Getty
He was in comparison with the likes of Claude Makelele, Michael Essien and Jon Obi Mikel when unveiled by Luiz Felipe ScolariCredit score: Getty
Luiz Felipe Scolari had very excessive hopes for Mineiro when he signedCredit score: AFP
The midfielder had performed for Guarani, Ponte Preta, Sao Caetano and Sao Paulo and earned his place within the Brazil Serie A staff of the 12 months earlier than making the transfer to Europe.
It was Bundesliga facet Hertha Berlin who first took the chance on Mineiro, and it’s truthful to say he shone in his 38 appearances for the membership.
By the point he joined Chelsea, his powerful tackling and funky distribution was drawing comparisons with legendary Stamford Bridge midfielder Claude Makelele.
He had even earned 24 caps for Brazil, such was the hope round his prodigious expertise.
Scolari stated after signing him: “[Mineiro is] good positionally, an excellent marker.
“He’s a person that works for the opposite gamers and he’s additionally an excellent man exterior of the pitch.”
He’s a participant that I want as a result of I misplaced Michael Essien for six months. I’ve one midfielder like him, Mikel [Jon Obi].”
However Mineiro’s time in West London was a complete nightmare.
He performed simply twice for Chelsea in complete, one League Cup begin and a late sub look within the Premier League, as he did not adapt to life in West London.
After only one season with the Blues, he would return to the Bundesliga to hitch Schalke.
However he NEVER regained his previous type.
Ultimately Mineiro dropped three tiers to hitch fourth division German facet TuS Koblenz.
He scored a single purpose for Koblenz in his 30 appearances earlier than calling time on his profession in 2012.
Since then, Mineiro has been teaching younger gamers in Melbourne, Australia alongside former Manchester United winger Jesper Olsen.