Serginho (footballer, born 1971)

Sérgio Cláudio dos Santos (born 27 June 1971) better known as Serginho is a Brazilian former footballer, who last played as a left winger and left back for Italian club A.C. Milan in 2008. Prior to joining Milan in 1999, he played for several Brazilian clubs. Known for his energetic attacking runs down the wing, with Milan he won the Champions League twice, in 2003 and 2007, as well as the Serie A title in 2004, among other trophies. At international level, he also represented Brazil at the 1999 FIFA Confederations Cup, and was part of the team that won the 1999 Copa América.

For other people named Serginho, see Serginho.

Serginho
Serginho with Milan in 2007
Personal information
Full name Sérgio Cláudio dos Santos
Date of birth (1971-06-27) 27 June 1971
Place of birth Nilópolis, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Height 1.81 m (5 ft 11 1⁄2 in)
Position(s) Left back
Left midfielder
Left winger
Senior career*
Years Team Apps (Gls)
1992–1993 Itaperuna 7 (0)
1993–1994 Bahia 11 (1)
1994–1995 Flamengo 17 (3)
1995–1996 Cruzeiro 23 (8)
1996–1999 São Paulo 58 (21)
1999–2008 Milan 185 (18)
Total 301 (51)
National team
1998–2001 Brazil 10 (1[1])
* Senior club appearances and goals counted for the domestic league only

Club career

Serginho initially began his professional footballing career in his home-country, and played for clubs Cruzeiro EC, Bahia, and São Paulo FC. He moved to Italian side A.C. Milan in 1999, where he was initially a fringe player, starting on the bench but often being the first-choice substitute. The apex of Serginho's Milan career was when he scored a goal and contributed three assists in a 6–0 thrashing of crosstown rivals Internazionale on 11 May 2001. He also contributed to Milan's 2003 UEFA Champions League victory over Juventus, scoring the first of Milan's three successful penalties in the shootout. The 2005 Champions League Final was a reversal of fortune, however, as Milan surrendered a 3–0 lead at half-time and eventually lost on penalties to Liverpool, with Serginho whistling his shot over the crossbar. Serginho also won the 2003–04 Serie A title with Milan and the 2006–07 edition of the UEFA Champions League, among other trophies.

On 16 May 2008 it was announced that Serginho and compatriot Cafu would be leaving Milan at the end of the 2007–08 season. Serginho also immediately announced his retirement at the end of the season. On 18 May, he played the final minutes of the match against Udinese and appeared quite moved at the end of the game.

International career

Serginho earned ten caps with the Brazilian national team between 1998 and 2001, scoring one goal. He would undoubtedly have won more caps, if not for the ever-present Roberto Carlos as the national team's starting left-back during Serginho's whole career. Internationally, Serginho represented his nation at the 1999 FIFA Confederations Cup, where his team won a runners-up medal, and at the 1999 Copa América, winning the latter tournament. He didn't make it in Brazil's squad for the World Cup in Korea & Japan because of a hamstring injury.

After retirement

On 4 September 2011, Serginho played for Milan Glorie (combination of former A.C. Milan players) in an exhibition match against Indonesia All-Star Legend (combination of former Indonesian footballers) at Gelora Bung Karno Stadium where he netted four times in a 5–1 victory. Another Milan Glorie's goal was scored by Dida who was re-deployed as striker. Indonesia All-Star Legend's consolation goal was scored by Ricky Yacobi.

Style of play

Serginho was an incredibly fast and hard-working, offensive-minded player, who could play either as left back or wing back, or even on the left wing. He maintained his extraordinary pace and stamina well into his mid-late 30s. In addition to his speed and energy, he was also known to be an excellent crosser of the ball, and for having a knack for making overlapping runs and getting into good attacking positions, which allowed him to regularly contribute to his team's offence with several assists and even goals. His nickname throughout his career was Il Concorde (The Concorde), due to his quick and tireless attacking runs down the left flank of the pitch.[2][3][4]

Honours

Club
Bahia
São Paulo
A.C. Milan[5]

International
Brazil[6]

Individual
  • A.C. Milan Hall of Fame[2]

References
  1. 1999 FIFA Confederations Cup Final
  2. "A.C. Milan Hall of Fame: Sérgio Cláudio dos Santos (Serginho)". A.C. Milan. Retrieved 13 May 2017.
  3. Giancarla Ghisi; Roberto Perrone; Giorgio Rondelli (13 September 1999). "Corre il Milan a trazione brasiliana". Il Corriere della Sera (in Italian). Retrieved 29 May 2015.
  4. Fabio Bianchi; Andrea Masala (9 February 2000). "Super Serginho". La Gazzetta dello Sport (in Italian). Retrieved 29 May 2015.
  5. "SERGINHO". Soccerway. Retrieved 18 March 2017.
  6. "Serginho". Eurosport. Retrieved 18 March 2017.
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