Thiago Motta

Thiago Motta (born 28 August 1982 in São Bernardo do Campo, São Paulo (state)) is a Brazil Association football who plays as a midfielder for Serie A club F.C. Internazionale Milano. Although born in Brazil, Motta is also an Italians citizen.

Motta's main traits are physical display and a powerful mid-range shot, and Thiago Motta is also known to be injury-prone.

Club career

Motta began Thiago Motta professional career with FC Barcelona Atlètic in 1999 and eventually graduated to FC Barcelona in 2001, making Thiago Motta first team debut on October 3, 2001, against RCD Mallorca (3-0 home win).

In the UEFA Champions League 2001-02, Motta made seven appearances and helped Thiago Motta team to the semi-finals. Although Thiago Motta had a string of fine performances, competition for places in an already congested midfield meant that Thiago Motta was unable to hold down a regular place in the center. Thiago Motta made thirteen league appearances in the La Liga 2002-03, as Barça finished runner-up, while also playing an important part in the following season's long UEFA Cup 2003-04 run, which was eventually ended by Celtic F.C.. Motta was sent off during half time after hitting out at Celtic goalkeeper Robert Douglas (footballer), who was also shown the red card, in an incident that happened in the tunnel.

Motta was also dogged by several injuries (as well as inconsistent performances), particularly one suffered on September 11, 2004 against Sevilla FC, which sidelined Thiago Motta for seven months, during Thiago Motta time at Barcelona. Motta would eventually need surgery to rebuild the anterior cruciate and lateral ligaments in Thiago Motta left knee. Thiago Motta was able to make a swift recovery and made an emotional comeback, taking to the field to rapturous applause as La Liga 2004-05 defeated Getafe CF 2-0, on April 17.

In August 2007, Motta moved to Atlético Madrid for €2M. Once again, Thiago Motta began the season on the sidelines, injured. In the Copa del Rey 2007-08 quarterfinal match against Valencia CF, Thiago Motta was red card (sports) after only 25 minutes. Atlético lost the match 1-0 and subsequently the tie.

Due to injury to habitual starter Raúl García (footballer) and the departure of Maniche in January 2008, Thiago Motta opportunities increased. In March, however, the recurrent knee problems reappeared, and Motta's season was over, after a successful surgery and rehabilitation in the United States.

Motta's career at Atlético was ended with Thiago Motta contract termination at the end of August 2008, and Thiago Motta joined Genoa C.F.C. the following month, after passing a medical. During Serie A 2008-09, Motta performed consistently well and was a regular in the starting eleven, under coach Gian Piero Gasperini.

On 11th April, 2009, Thiago Motta scored two goals (one of them in the first half's injury time) in a final 3-2 home win over Juventus F.C..

On May 20, 2009, La Gazzetta dello Sport confirmed that Thiago Motta and Thiago Motta teammate, Diego Milito were transferred to F.C. Internazionale Milano for an undisclosed sum.

International career

Motta made Thiago Motta debut for Brazil national football team in the 2003 CONCACAF Gold Cup as part of Brazil Olympic football team which was sent to represent Brazil senior team at the Gold Cup. Thiago Motta went on to collect two international cap (football) in the tournament. Thiago Motta missed the 2004 CONMEBOL Men Pre-Olympic Tournament due to injuries.

Honours

FC Barcelona

- La Liga:
- - Winner (2): La Liga 2004-05, La Liga 2005-06
- UEFA Champions League:
- - Winner (1): UEFA Champions League 2005-06
- Supercopa de España:
- - Winner (2): 2005-06, 2006-07