Three Bayern Brazilians Coutinho will be looking to Emulate
Philippe Coutinho has signed on at Bayern Munich, here are three Brazilian stars who have shone at FCB
Bayern Munich has confirmed the loan signing of Selecao star Philippe Coutinho from Barcelona in one of the blockbuster moves of the season. FCB know a thing or two about Brazilian players, and we decided to profile three former players that Coutinho will be looking to emulate whilst at Bayern.
Giovane Elber
Perhaps one of the most loved Brazilians to have graced the Bundesliga, striker Giovane Elber won no fewer than 13 titles with Bayern between 1997 and 2003. This included the 2001 Champions League triumph and four Bundesliga titles. Elber also enjoyed stints with VfB Stuttgart and Borussia Mönchengladbach scoring 133 goals in the Bundesliga.
Elber fully adapted to life in Germany and is a fluent German speaker. So much so that he was used as a pundit on German TV after his hung up his boots in 2006.
Lucio
Central defender Lucio enjoyed five trophy-laden seasons with FCB from 2004-2009. Signing a six-year contract with the Bavarian giants, Lucio quickly became a key player in the squad. The no-nonsense defender was at the heart of a team which secured league and cup doubles between 2004-05, 2005-06, and 2007-08.
Prior to his move to Bavaria, Lucio also enjoyed a spell with Bayer Leverkusen where he reached the Champions League final. Whilst on the international stage, Lucio was part of the Brazilian side that won the 2002 World Cup and went on to represent his nation at two further tournaments. Just don't mention he was part of the Inter Milan side that defeated Bayern in the 2010 Champions League final.
Rafinha
A firm fan favourite, Rafinha waved goodbye to FC Bayern only last summer. After eight seasons and a staggering eighteen major trophies, the rampaging full-back joined Arjen Robben and Franck Ribery in leaving the side in a changing of the old guard at the club.
Rafinha was signed in 2011 from Serie A club Genoa and was a key player in the sides managed by Jupp Heynckes, Pep Guardiola and Carlo Ancelotti. After 179 appearances with the club, Rafinha moved to Brazilian side Flamengo on a two-year deal.
Can Phillipe Countinho make his mark on the Bundesliga like this trio of FCB legends? The playmaker is widely expected to make his Bayern bow against Schalke on the weekend. Follow all the Bundesliga action with beIN SPORTS.
