Anderson Luís de Abreu Oliveira

He also played for the Brazil Olympic football team during the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing, helping them secure the Bronze medal.

Born in Porto Alegre, Anderson joined Grêmio as a youth player. He made his first appearance for the team on 23 October 2004, in a 3–1 loss to Internacional in the Brazilian Série A in which he scored a free kick. However, Grêmio was relegated and Anderson followed the team to the Brazilian Série B. Read Less

The initial application for a work permit for Anderson was rejected on the ground that he did not have enough international caps. United subsequently argued that only his youth had prevented him from acquiring more caps and that, given his exceptional talent and the size of the transfer fee, clearance was justified. Read Less

He made his first start for Brazil on 1 July 2007 against Chile in a 3–0 victory.

In July 2008, Brazil coach Dunga named Anderson in the 18-man squad for the 2008 Summer Olympics. He scored Brazil's first goal in their second group match against New Zealand, a match they went on to win 5–0. On 22 August 2008, Brazil won the bronze medal as they defeated Belgium 3–0.

Statistics accurate as of match played 26 September 2012

Grêmio

Porto

Manchester United

Brazil

It was reported that Anderson was hospitalised after a serious car crash in Portugal on 31 July 2010. He had spent the night before at a nightclub before leaving in his Audi R8. The crash occurred at 7 am when the car came off the road and hit a farm wall before entering a field. Anderson was unconscious but was pulled from the car minutes before it exploded. Another man and a woman were also in the car. All three suffered minor injuries and were treated for whiplash, concussion and shock at a hospital. Anderson returned to United to continue his rehabilitation. Read Less

After United were awarded a free kick on the right side of the penalty area, Anderson stepped up and curled the ball into the far top corner of the goal with his left foot. Read Less