Fabio Aurelio Leaves Liverpool for Gremio

Fabio Aurelio taking a trademark free kick.

The Brasilivero story goes from Liverpool to Brazil and back, but Fabio Aurelio has just completed the journey in the opposite direction. Fabio arrived in Europe from Sao Paulo, and spent six seasons at Spanish side Valencia where he won two league titles and a UEFA Cup under the management of Rafa Benitez, picking up a Champions League runners up medal along the way.

He took the chance to join up with Rafa Benitez again at Liverpool, and served the club for six seasons but was continually hampered by injury. Despite these fitness problems Aurelio established himself as an attacking left back throughout his career in Europe, and occasionally got the chance to show his set piece expertise which will always be under appreciated due his lack of playing time because of injury. A memorable free kick against Chelsea, shown below, is an example of his quick thinking and great technique in these situations.

At the end of the 2011/2012 season, Fabio decided his time at Liverpool had come to an end and he signed for the Porto Alegre based club Gremio - the team from which Liverpool signed Lucas Leiva.

Aurelio is yet to represent the Brazil senior national side, but was part of the under 23 side who took part in the 2000 Sydney Olympics. The team, which also featured young Gremio attacker Ronaldinho, were knocked out at the quarter final stage.

He will be remembered at Liverpool as the first Brazilian player to play for the club, and as a reliable team player with great technique, particularly at a set piece. Unfortunately he'll also be remembered for as the player who didn't get to realise his full potential due to injury. Hopefully a good run in the team at Gremio will see him show his true talent, and maybe even get him a call up to the Brazil side.