Diego Pituca

Diego Cristiano Evaristo (born 1 August 1992), known as Diego Pituca or simply Pituca, is a Brazilian footballer who plays for Japanese club Kashima Antlers. Mainly a defensive midfielder, he can also play as a left back.

Club Career

Early career

Pituca was born in Mogi Guacu, Sao Paulo, and mainly represented Guacuano and Itapirense as a youth. In 2011 he joined Mineiros, but failed to appear for the side during his spell.

In 2011 Pituca returned to his native state, after agreeing to a contract with Brasilis. He made his debut for the club on 7 May of that year by starting in a 1–0 Campeonato Paulista Segunda Divisao away loss against his first club Guacuano, and played his first campaign as a left back.

On 11 January 2012, after being a regular starter for Brasilis, Pituca moved back to Mandi. He only scored his first senior goal on 3 March of the following year, in a 2–2 home draw against Sertaozinho; thirteen days later, however, he netted a brace in a 4–1 home routing of Marilia.

After two seasons as a starter, Pituca joined Matonense in April 2013. On 28 May 2014, he was loaned to Uniao Sao Joao until the end of the year's Paulistao Segunda Divisao.

Botafogo-SP

Upon returning to Matonense, Pituca impressed enough for the side to secure a loan deal to Botafogo on 19 May 2015, despite being relegated with his previous club. He immediately became a starter at the side, helping in their Campeonato Brasileiro Serie D winning campaign and remaining a mainstay afterwards; on 17 November 2016, he renewed his contract until the end of 2018.

Santos

On 29 May 2017 Pituca joined Santos, being initially assigned to the B-team. The following 24 January, he was promoted to the first team by new manager Jair Ventura.

Pituca made his first team – and Serie A – debut on 14 April 2018, replacing Jean Mota in a 2–0 home win against Ceara. He made his Copa Libertadores debut on 24 May, s

This page also has a version in other languages :  Диего Питука (russian)