PAST PLAYER PROFILE - Abel Xavier

Abel Xavier Defender 2002-2003
Born: Mozambique
Date of birth: 30-11-1972
1st team Games 21
1st team Goals 2
Former clubs: Estrela Amadora, Benfica, Bari, Real Oviedo, PSV Eindhoven, Everton





PROFILE
Abel Xavier left Liverpool officially in December 2003 after his contract expired and it would be fair to say he didn't exactly become a firm Kop favourite.

Consistency was a big problem for Xavier and after starting the 2002/03 season as first choice it wasn't to last as he was quickly replaced in the team by a fit again Jamie Carragher.

Liverpool shocked Merseyside when Abel Xavier joined the Reds from Everton on 31st January 2002 for a fee in the region of £800,000. A Portugal international defender, Xavier crossed Stanley Park to become only the second player to join Liverpool from Everton since Dave Hickson in 1959. Nick Barmby, of course was the last to do so before Xavier.

Xavier provided the Reds with cover at the back as he could play right back and centre half.

Abel began his professional career in Portugal with Estrela Amadora in 1990 before moving to Benfica three years later.

He then had spells in Italy and Spain with Bari and Real Oviedo respectively before being signed by Bobby Robson for PSV Eindhoven in 1998.

It was then that Everton swooped and Walter Smith brought him to Goodison Park for £1.5 million in September 1999.

He is a member of the Portugal national team, playing alongside the likes of Figo, Rui Costa and Nuno Gomez, and played in Euro 2000 where he first unveiled his eccentric blonde hairdo and beard.

He played in Portugal's opening game against England but then sustained a knee injury that kept him out until the semi-final with France which was to prove eventful to say the least. He was controversially sent off against the French when he conceded a penalty in the last minute of extra time, from which Zinedine Zidane scored and he was distraught.

His subsequent demonstrations earned him a £8,000 fine and a nine month ban from all European matches.

Xavier was deemed surplus to requirements by Gerard Houllier and in December 2002 went out on loan to Galatasary before an ill fated spell there saw him released and searching for a new club.