Thiago Motta Image Gallery

Thiago Motta (born 28 August 1982) is a Brazilian footballer who currently plays for Serie A club F.C. Internazionale Milano, as a central midfielder.

Having spent his early career at FC Barcelona, his main traits are physical presence and a powerful mid-range shot, but he is also known to be injury-prone.

Club career

Spain

Born in São Bernardo do Campo, São Paulo, Motta signed with FC Barcelona in 1999 at age 17, from local Clube Atlético Juventus, initially being assigned to the B side. He eventually graduated to the senior team in 2001, making his first team debut on 3 October against RCD Mallorca (3–0 home win).

In the 2001–02 UEFA Champions League, Motta made seven appearances and helped his team to the semi-finals. Competition for places in an already congested midfield meant that he was unable to hold down a regular place in the centre. He made thirteen league appearances in the 2002–03 La Liga, as Barça finished runner-up, while also playing an important part in the following season's long UEFA Cup run, which was eventually ended by Celtic. Motta was sent off during half-time, after hitting out at Celtic goalkeeper Robert Douglas, who was also shown the red card, in an incident that happened in the tunnel.

Motta was also dogged by several injuries, particularly one suffered on 11 September 2004 against Sevilla FC, which sidelined him for seven months, his time at Barcelona. He would eventually need surgery to rebuild the anterior cruciate and lateral ligaments in his left knee, but was able to make a swift recovery and made an emotional comeback, taking to the field to rapturous applause as eventual league champions defeated Getafe CF 2–0, on 17 April.

Thiago Motta Image
Thiago Motta Image
Thiago Motta Image
Thiago Motta Image Gallery