Maxi Pereira

Victorio Maximiliano "Maxi" Pereira Paez (Spanish pronunciation: [ˈmaksi peˈrejra]; born 8 June 1984) is a Uruguayan professional footballer who plays as a right back for Club Atletico River Plate (Montevideo).

He played with Defensor in Uruguay, joining Benfica in 2007 and going on to remain with the club for eight seasons, appearing in 333 official matches and winning 11 major titles. In 2015, he signed with Porto also in Portugal.

A Uruguay international on 125 occasions, Pereira represented the nation in three World Cups and four Copa America, winning the 2011 edition of the latter tournament.

Club Career

Defensor

Born in Montevideo, Pereira was known by the nickname "Mono" (M) in his homeland. He started playing professionally with Defensor Sporting as an 18-year-old, early in the 2002–03 season. He took no time to adjust to the first team, being a crucial part alongside Alvaro Gonzalez and scoring a career-best 12 goals in the Primera Division of 2005–06.

After the 2006–07 campaign, Defensor lost both gems as Gonzalez was transferred to Boca Juniors and Pereira went to S.L. Benfica, accompanied by countryman Cristian Rodriguez; the Primeira Liga club signed the player for €3 million and 70% of his rights.

Benfica

In his first year in Portugal, Pereira was initially played as a right midfielder, failing to adjust to that position. He did score in two consecutive home games in November 2007, in a 6–1 league thrashing of Boavista F.C. and in the group stage of the UEFA Champions League 1–1 draw against A.C. Milan, with his left foot from outside the box.

Pereira switched to right-back the following campaign after Nelson Marcos moved to Real Betis, and became an everpresent fixture.

This page also has a version in other languages :  Макси Перейра (russian)