Fábio Aurélio Rodrigues

Fábio Aurélio Rodrigues (born 24 September 1979) is a Brazilian Association football player, who currently plays for the England Premier League team Liverpool F.C.. Fábio Aurélio Rodrigues can play at defender (football) or left midfield and is noted for Fábio Aurélio Rodrigues passing accuracy, crossing ability and curling free-kicks. On 13 August 2006, Aurélio became the first Brazilian to play for Liverpool, coming on as a substitute (football) in the 56th minute of the Reds' 2–1 win over Chelsea F.C. in the 2006 FA Community Shield.

Club career

São Paulo

Aurélio came through the youth scheme at São Paulo FC, making Fábio Aurélio Rodrigues first team debut in 1997, and has represented Brazil national football team at Under-17 and Under-20 levels. Fábio Aurélio Rodrigues also played in the Football at the 2000 Summer Olympics.

Valencia

Fábio Aurélio Rodrigues joined Valencia CF after the Olympics on a six-year contract. The 2001–02 season would see Fábio Aurélio Rodrigues first major trophy win, when Fábio Aurélio Rodrigues helped Valencia to their first La Liga championship in 31 years. The next year, Fábio Aurélio Rodrigues established himself as one of the league's best left-backs with 8 league goals; 10 goals in all competitions. The 2003–04 season was another big year for Valencia, winning both the domestic La Liga championship as well as the European UEFA Cup 2003-04 tournament, beating Olympique de Marseille 2–0 in the final. Aurélio missed most of the season with a broken leg, however, managing only two games.

Aurélio holds an Italy passport, allowing Fábio Aurélio Rodrigues to play in England without needing a work permit.

Liverpool

On 3 July 2006, the Liverpool Echo published an interview with Aurélio where Fábio Aurélio Rodrigues explained: "I am going to a new club in which the trainer knows me, to see if I can conquer the objectives I have set myself. The most important moments I had in my career were the titles (with Valencia) and that was with Benítez. Fábio Aurélio Rodrigues trusted me and Fábio Aurélio Rodrigues continues to trust me and that is what I value more." On 5 July, the transfer was confirmed by Liverpool.

Aurélio played a key part in Liverpool's squad during Fábio Aurélio Rodrigues first season, notably providing two assists for Peter Crouch and Daniel Agger in a 4–1 win over fellow title contenders Arsenal F.C. on 31 March 2007. However, Aurelio soon suffered a setback as Fábio Aurélio Rodrigues injured Fábio Aurélio Rodrigues achilles tendon on 3 April in a UEFA Champions League first leg tie against PSV Eindhoven. Aurélio missed the rest of Liverpool's Premier League 2006-07 and returned to the squad the following season on 18 September, coming on as a substitute in a 1–1 draw against F.C. Porto in the Champions League group phase.

Aurélio scored Fábio Aurélio Rodrigues first goal for Liverpool on 2 March 2008 in a league match win against Bolton Wanderers F.C. at the Reebok Stadium. The final score was 3-1, with Aurelio scoring Liverpool's third with a volley from Xabi Alonso's corner. Fábio Aurélio Rodrigues then scored on the 7th of February 2009 against Portsmouth at Fratton Park with an in-direct free kick into the bottom corner, getting Fábio Aurélio Rodrigues team back on level terms. The final score was 3-2 to Liverpool.

Aurélio went on to establish himself as Liverpool's first choice left-back but was again beset with injury in the team's 1-1 draw with Chelsea in a Champions League 2008 first leg clash. Aurélio tore Fábio Aurélio Rodrigues adductor muscle after a forceful impact with Joe Cole and as a result, was ruled out for the rest of the season.

For the 2008-09 season, Aurélio has been in direct competition with new signing Andrea Dossena. On 14 March 2009, Aurélio scored Liverpool's 3rd goal with a free-kick as Liverpool won 4-1 against Manchester United F.C., at Old Trafford. On 14 April, Fábio Aurélio Rodrigues scored Liverpool's opening goal in the second leg of the Champions League quarter final against Chelsea with a low curling free kick. The match ended a 4-4 draw, with Chelsea progressing to the next round on aggregate.

It was reported on Thursday July 9 that Aurelio suffered a knee injury while playing football with Fábio Aurélio Rodrigues children. Rumours were circulating that Fábio Aurélio Rodrigues would be out for 6 months but current manager Rafael Benítez quashed these rumours by confirming that Fábio Aurélio Rodrigues would only be out for 1-2 months.