Jucilei

Jucilei da Silva (born 6 April 1988), known simply as Jucilei, is a Brazilian former professional footballer who played as a central or defensive midfielder.

Career

Jucilei started his career with Malucelli and was transferred to Corinthians after being voted the best player of Malucelli in Paraná State Championship.

He made his debut for Corinthians against Internacional on 10 May 2009, as the team lost 1–0. On 26 July 2010, he was called, by his former Corinthians coach Mano Menezes, to his first appearance for the Brazil national team.

On 22 February 2011, Corinthians president Andrés Sánchez confirmed that big spending Russian side Anzhi had signed Jucilei, in a deal worth €10 million.

After making 99 appearances in all competitions for Anzhi in just under three years, Jucilei moved to Al Jazira in the UAE Arabian Gulf League on 13 January 2014. He acquired Palestine citizenship to be counted as an Asian player, thus avoiding the foreign quota.

On 28 June 2015, it was announced that Jucilei signed with Shandong Luneng in the Chinese Super League. On 1 May 2016, Jucilei scored his first goal for Shandong Luneng in Asian Champions League against Buriram United. He was also awarded for the player of the match.

On 12 February 2017, Jucilei was loaned to São Paulo for one season.

Style of play

According to his former coach Cuca, Jucilei is a great defensive midfielder, "that has technique to advance with the ball and that marks very well." He also can play as centre-back.

Career statistics

Honours Club Corinthians Brazilian Cup: 2009

Individual Campeonato Brasileiro Série A Team of the Year: 2010 Bola de Prata: 2010