Those Brazilians pop up everywhere. We’ve had legends like Romario and Ronaldo tearing up the major leagues across Europe and even World Cup legend Socrates somewhat randomly turning out for lowly Garforth Town in 2004. Today in 2004 though, another silky samba star found himself in an unlikely location, as Juninho signed for Celtic.

Osvaldo Giroldo Júnior as his mother called him had become a cult hero at Middlesbrough, which is no surprise when you consider that they used to get excited about Robbie Mustoe and the like. The Brazilian’s arrival saw fans treated to a bit of latin flair unlike anything previously seen in Teeside. However, despite the little man’s skill, the Silver Fox Ravanelli’s goals and fellow Brazilian Emerson’s grit in midfield they were to be relegated at the end of the 1996/97 season. One of the enduring images of his time at the club is of a tear-eyed Juninho sobbing on the Elland Road pitch after the 1-1 draw with Leeds that condemned Boro to the drop.



Not fancying trips to Swindon or Stockport, Juninho left the club, but like a moth to a flame he was to twice return to the Riverside in 1999 and 2002. Pending any future panic-buying from Boro, his move to Celtic proved to be the final farewell. And Juninho didn’t waste any time when he arrived north of the border, as he turned in a man-of-the-match performance against Old Firm rivals Rangers in a 1-0 victory for the Buoys. Despite this blockbusting start, Juninho never really settled in at Celtic Park, as Martin O’Neill never looked sure what to do with a player with his ability, as his teams have never been blessed with an abundance of skillful players.

After a mere 14 appearances Juninho had decided he’d had enough and returned to the slightly more pleasant climbs of his homeland and signed for Palmeiras. Here he obviously remembered he liked the sunshine, and he has recently signed for Sydney FC, following in the footsteps of fellow former Premiership stars Benito Carbone and Dwight Yorke for one last hurrah in the sun. See below to see the diminutive Brazilian in action and join us tomorrow for some managerial merry-go-round action.

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