When right-back Paulo Ferreira made the switch to FC Porto at the start of the 2002/03 season, he could scarcely have imagined the success that lay ahead of him. A favourite of former Porto and Chelsea coach Jose Mourinho, Ferreira was a stalwart of the all-conquering Porto side that won two consecutive domestic league titles, as well as the UEFA Cup in 2002/03 and the UEFA Champions League in 2003/04.
A quiet man by nature, Ferreira was catapulted to star status almost overnight. But his desire to stay out of the limelight belies a fierce will to win, consistency and a keenness to get forward at every opportunity. Acutely conscious of the right-back’s qualities, Mourinho took Ferreira to London with him at the start of the 2004/05 campaign and in the blue of Chelsea, the defender has been a dependable presence over the last few years.
Although he has not always been first-choice for his club, Ferreira has now spent six seasons in England, and his experience in the competitive cauldron of the English Premier League, as well as the UEFA Champions League, have made him a regular for his country.
The 31-year-old full-back is no stranger to tournament football. He was part of Portugal’s squad in both UEFA EURO 2004 and 2008, as well as the 2006 FIFA World Cup Germany™, where he was an able deputy for right-back Miguel. He started one game, the third-place game against the hosts, which the Portuguese lost 3-1. Versatility is another of Ferreira’s hallmarks; as well as providing defensive cover down the right, he is equally adept at filling in at left-back when needed.
