1. Thiago Motta joined Paris Saint-Germain in 2012, where he won 18 trophies before retiring in 2018.
26 Facts About Thiago Motta
1. 2.
Thiago Motta appeared as Italy were finalists at UEFA Euro 2012, and played at the 2014 FIFA World Cup and Euro 2016.
3.
In July 2021, Thiago Motta was appointed manager of Spezia, where he remained for one season, before taking over as manager of Bologna in September 2022, leading them to qualify for the Champions League in his second season.
4.
In June 2024, Thiago Motta was appointed head coach of Juventus.
5.
Thiago Motta was born in Sao Bernardo do Campo, Sao Paulo, and is of Italian descent.
6.
Thiago Motta signed with Barcelona in 1999 at age 17 from Sao Paulo side Juventus-SP, initially being assigned to the club's B-side.
7.
Thiago Motta was dogged by several injuries, particularly one suffered on 11 September 2004 against Sevilla, which sidelined him for seven months, during his time at Barcelona.
8.
In late August 2007, Thiago Motta signed a one-year contract with Atletico Madrid for an undisclosed fee.
9.
In September 2008, Thiago Motta joined Genoa on a free transfer, after passing a medical.
10.
Thiago Motta finished the year with a career-best six goals, and his team qualified for the Europa League.
11.
On 21 February 2014, aged 31, Thiago Motta extended his contract until June 2016.
12.
Thiago Motta announced his retirement for the end of the season on 8 May 2018, while being appointed as the new coach of PSG's under-19 side.
13.
Thiago Motta made his debut for Brazil in the 2003 CONCACAF Gold Cup.
14.
Thiago Motta missed the 2004 CONMEBOL Men Pre-Olympic Tournament due to injuries, but appeared for the under-23 team in November 2003 against Santos.
15.
On 6 February 2011, Thiago Motta received his first call-up from Italy, for a friendly against Germany, but an official statement from the Italian Football Federation declared it subject to FIFA clearance, which was granted two days later.
16.
On 25 March 2011, in only his second international, a UEFA Euro 2012 qualifier in Slovenia, Thiago Motta scored the game's only goal following a 73rd-minute combination with Federico Balzaretti.
17.
Thiago Motta was named in a 30-man provisional squad for the 2014 FIFA World Cup on 13 May, and made the final list.
18.
On 31 May 2016, Thiago Motta was named to Antonio Conte's 23-man Italy squad for Euro 2016, and was handed the number 10 shirt.
19.
Thiago Motta's role has been likened to that of a metodista, due to his ability to dictate play in midfield as well as assist his team defensively.
20.
On 5 July 2021, Thiago Motta was appointed head coach of Serie A club Spezia, replacing departing manager Vincenzo Italiano following the latter's departure to Fiorentina.
21.
On 15 May 2022, following a win at Udinese, Thiago Motta successfully guided Spezia to escape relegation for the second season in a row with still a game to go.
22.
Thiago Motta left Spezia by mutual agreement on 28 June 2022.
23.
On 12 September 2022, Thiago Motta was named new head coach of Serie A club Bologna, replacing Sinisa Mihajlovic.
24.
Thiago Motta was named Coach of the Month in February 2023, having achieved three victories in four matches during that month.
25.
On 23 May 2024, the club announced that Thiago Motta had declined to extend his contract, signaling his imminent departure.
26.
On 12 June 2024, Thiago Motta was appointed as head coach of Serie A club Juventus, signing a three-year contract.