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Manuel da CostaMoroccan footballer, central defender
Date of Birth: 06.05.1986
Country:  Morocco |
Content:
- Manuel da Costa: A Versatile and Well-Traveled Defender
- Move to the Netherlands and Portugal Call-Up
- Transfer to Italy and Fiorentina Debut
- Premier League Adventure with West Ham
- Return to Russia and Success in Greece
- International Career and Personal Life
- Body Art and Inspiration
Manuel da Costa: A Versatile and Well-Traveled Defender
Early Career in FranceManuel da Costa is a Moroccan footballer who holds Portuguese and French citizenship. Born to a Portuguese father and a mother of Moroccan and French descent, da Costa began his professional career with Nancy in 2005. During his time with Nancy, he made 10 appearances in Ligue 1 and scored his only goal in a Coupe de la Ligue semi-final against Le Mans.
Move to the Netherlands and Portugal Call-Up
After impressing for Nancy, da Costa joined PSV Eindhoven in 2006. He played 16 Eredivisie matches and made his UEFA Champions League debut against Liverpool. Despite being called up to the Portuguese U21 team, da Costa did not make any international appearances at that level.
Transfer to Italy and Fiorentina Debut
In 2008, da Costa was signed by Fiorentina for €4.5 million. However, he only made his Serie A debut for the club in September 2008. He was loaned to Sampdoria in January 2009, where he made two appearances in the league and one in the UEFA Cup.
Premier League Adventure with West Ham
Da Costa joined West Ham United in August 2009 on a three-year contract. He made his debut in the League Cup and played his first Premier League match against Manchester City. He scored his first goal for the club against Hull City.
Return to Russia and Success in Greece
After rejecting an offer from Spartak Moscow, da Costa moved to Lokomotiv Moscow in 2011. He scored his first goals for the club in a 4-2 victory over Zenit. In 2012, he was loaned out to Nacional before being sold to Sivasspor in Turkey. In 2015, he joined Olympiacos Piraeus and won the Greek Super League in 2016.
International Career and Personal Life
Da Costa represented Portugal at the youth level from 2006 to 2008. However, he opted to play for Morocco and made his debut in 2014.
In 2011, da Costa was charged with sexual assault and attempted rape. He was acquitted in September 2011 but ordered to pay compensation to the victim.
Body Art and Inspiration
Da Costa has several tattoos that reflect his experiences living in different countries. He has tattoos done by artists from Italy, France, and England, and plans to get one from a Russian artist.
