Silvestre Varela

Silvestre Manuel Goncalves Varela (born 2 February 1985) is a Portuguese professional footballer who plays for FC Porto B as a winger.

He represented mainly Porto during his career, amassing Primeira Liga totals of 268 matches and 47 goals over 12 seasons and winning 11 major titles, including three national championships and the 2011 Europa League. He also competed professionally in Spain, England, Italy and Turkey.

Varela appeared for Portugal at Euro 2012 and the 2014 World Cup, scoring in both tournaments.

Club Career

Sporting

A product of Sporting CP's youth system, Varela was born in Almada, Setubal District, being loaned to Casa Pia A.C. and Vitoria F.C. in his early years as a professional. Despite being a regular with the Portuguese under-21s and having enjoyed a decent form in various tournaments, he was not able to secure a place in the Lions' first team, only managing two substitute appearances in the 2005–06 season.

In 2007–08, Varela, alongside former Sporting players Beto and Carlos Martins, played for Recreativo de Huelva in Spain (Varela on loan again). After a disappointing campaign despite having received playing time in La Liga, he returned to Sporting in July 2008 only to be immediately sold to C.F. Estrela da Amadora.

Porto

Before the season was over, in March 2009, courtesy of his solid performances at Estrela, only relegated from the Primeira Liga off the field, Varela signed a five-year agreement with champions FC Porto on a free transfer, starting in July. In his first year he ranked second in overall goals in the squad, only behind Radamel Falcao; in March 2010, however, he broke his fibula in training, being lost for the remainder of the campaign as the team finished third.

In 2011–12, under new manager Vitor Pereira, Varela – as practically all Portuguese players (the roster was composed of three nationals) – lost his importance in the side. On 16 February 2012, in a rare start, he

This page also has a version in other languages :  Силвештре Варела (russian)