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GlauberBrazilian footballer, defender.
Date of Birth: 05.08.1983
Country:  Brazil |
Content:
- The Journey of Gláuber, the Brazilian Defender
- Transition to Italian Citizenship and Manchester City
- A Cult Hero in the Making
- Later Years and Retirement
- International Career
The Journey of Gláuber, the Brazilian Defender
Early Career and Bundesliga SuccessGláuber, a Brazilian defender, embarked on his footballing journey with Atlético Mineiro in Belo Horizonte, Brazil. He then joined Palmeiras in São Paulo, where he debuted in the top-flight in 2003. In December 2005, he was loaned for six months to Bundesliga club 1. FC Nürnberg, where he quickly became a regular starter and helped the team avoid relegation.
Transition to Italian Citizenship and Manchester City
Prior to his loan deal becoming permanent in the summer of 2006, Gláuber's Italian heritage allowed him to acquire Italian citizenship. This meant he no longer counted toward non-UEFA quota restrictions. On August 31, 2008, Gláuber signed a one-year contract with Premier League club Manchester City for an undisclosed fee.
A Cult Hero in the Making
Despite failing to make an appearance in the first team initially, Gláuber became a cult figure among Manchester City fans, affectionately known as "Bertie." On May 24, 2009, in the final day of the 2008-09 season, he finally made his Manchester City debut at the City of Manchester Stadium. After appearing as an unused substitute 20 times, he entered the field in the 84th minute, replacing left-back Wayne Bridge against Bolton Wanderers. Gláuber received deafening cheers from the Manchester City faithful every time he touched the ball, was given a standing ovation when he took a throw-in, and was voted man of the match with a 8.67 out of 10 rating on BBC Sport Online. Manager Mark Hughes commented after the match, "He got a really great reception! I haven't been able to give him the opportunities I would have maybe liked, but I thought today was a chance to do that. It was important to do it not just for the supporters, but for the team as well because they have all been keen to see him get on the pitch in the sky blue. I must be getting soft in my old age!"
Later Years and Retirement
Gláuber was released by Manchester City at the end of the season, having made only one appearance. In 2011, Bleacher Report named him one of "10 Manchester City Cult Heroes," and in October 2015, Gláuber gave an interview reflecting fondly on his time at Manchester City. He said, "Those 10 minutes [of playing against Bolton] were amazing, because every time I touched the ball, the fans would scream my name. It was really nice. It became a bit of a joke, because the more I wanted to play, the more the fans wanted to see me play... I gave it my all the time I was there. The people who shared the dressing room with me know about my dedication in training, and know how much I was fighting for this opportunity. Unfortunately, it came on the last day, but even so, it was a beautiful moment in my career at City, because it helped me grow as a person."
Gláuber eventually moved to the United States, joining Columbus Crew in 2012. He scored his first goal for the team in their home opener on March 16, 2013. However, he suffered a torn left anterior cruciate ligament in a US Open Cup match on June 13, 2013. He underwent arthroscopic knee surgery and was ruled out for the rest of the year. Columbus Crew declined Gláuber's contract option on November 22, 2013. He subsequently retired from football and returned to Brazil, where he runs his own business.
International Career
Gláuber earned a single cap for the Brazilian national team, playing in a friendly match against Guatemala on April 27, 2005.
