Joao Pica

Joao Miguel Passos Manuel Pica (born 8 April 1986) is a Portuguese professional footballer who plays for Academico de Viseu F.C. as a central defender.

Club Career

Pica was born in Moura, Alentejo. Until the age of 23, he alternated between the third and fourth divisions of Portuguese football, representing Vitoria de Setubal B, O Elvas C.A.D. and G.D. Ribeirao.

In the summer of 2009, Pica signed for Segunda Liga club Varzim S.C. and, on 8 August, made his professional debut in a 1–0 home win against C.D. Fatima in the first round of the Taca da Liga. In January 2011, he moved to fellow league side Moreirense FC.

In June 2012, after spending one season with C.D. Tondela in division three on loan, Pica agreed to a permanent deal after helping to promotion to the second tier. In the 2014–15 campaign, he contributed 19 games and one goal as his team reached the Primeira Liga for the first time in their history and, subsequently, renewed his expiring contract for a further year.

Pica played his first match in the top flight on 20 December 2015, featuring the full 90 minutes in a 1–3 home loss against Vitoria de Setubal. Initially fourth or fifth-choice stopper, he was an everpresent figure in the season's final stretch, scoring three goals in seven games as Tondela avoided relegation in the last matchday.