Maniche played top flight football in Portugal, Russia, England, Spain, Italy and Germany, and in 2004 he helped Porto win the Champions League, one of eight trophies conquered with that club.
14 Facts About Maniche
2.
Maniche amassed Primeira Liga totals of 177 matches and 31 goals, during seven seasons.
3.
Maniche experienced success abroad, winning the Serie A with Inter Milan.
4.
Maniche won 52 caps for Portugal, representing the nation at Euro 2004 and the 2006 World Cup and finishing runner-up in the former competition.
5.
Maniche enjoyed a successful period at Porto, winning both the UEFA Cup in 2003 and the UEFA Champions League in 2004 and contributing with 13 goals in 60 matches as the club managed back-to-back Primeira Liga titles.
6.
Maniche was chosen Man of the match in the 2004 Intercontinental Cup, which his team won on penalties against Once Caldas of Colombia.
7.
Maniche was accompanied in that adventure by Porto teammates Giourkas Seitaridis and Costinha.
8.
However, Maniche did not make enough appearances in the league to earn a winners' medal, challenged for a central midfield place by Michael Essien, Frank Lampard and Claude Makelele.
9.
Maniche was signed by Atletico Madrid in late August 2006.
10.
In July 2008, Maniche returned to Atletico Madrid, playing a major part in the Colchoneros' early season, as the club had returned to the UEFA Champions League after a 12-year absence.
11.
On 20 July 2009, Maniche moved to the Bundesliga with 1.
12.
Maniche left after only one season in Germany and, on 16 June 2010, returned to his native country, signing a one-year deal with the club he still had not represented in the Portuguese Big Three, Sporting CP.
13.
On 12 June 2013, Maniche was appointed as assistant at Pacos de Ferreira after his former Porto and international teammate Costinha was hired as the manager.
14.
Maniche featured little during the qualification for the 2010 World Cup, and was left out of the squad for the final stages by manager Carlos Queiroz.