The Brazilian centre-back was far from a world beater at Leeds United.
Roque Junior rocked up at Elland Road in 2003 as a World Cup winner, a champion of Europe and one of the globe’s most exciting defensive talents. He left, seven appearances, 21 goals and a debut red card later, as one of the Premier League’s most infamous flops, as reported by ESPN Brazil.
Now 40, however, retiring in 2010 after a nomadic career taking in spells in Germany, Italy and the Brazilian regional leagues, former AC Milan youngster Roque Junior looks back at his brief but unforgettable spell at Elland Road with a great deal of wistfulness.
“On my arrival, the expectation was good. I had left Milan. Actually, I chose to go. I wanted to play some more,” Roque Junior told ESPN Brazil.
“The culture is very different. Our culture is similar to Italian. But from Italian and ours to English, it’s quite different. So you really needed more time to adapt.
“Maybe I should have stayed a bit longer so that I could adapt better. On and off the pitch.”
For all his dedication, few Leeds fans will share Roque Junior’s point. A brace in the Carling Cup against Manchester United (a game they lost 3-2 anyway thanks to an extra-time stunner by who else but Eric Djemba-Djemba) only took the youngster so far.
Overall, Leeds lost all five of their Premier League fixtures featuring Roque Junior. In seven appearances in all competitions, they conceded 24 goals, losing four to Arsenal, Leicester City and Everton as well as six to Portsmouth.
Turns out you do not look quite as good without Alessandro Nesta and Paolo Maldini alongside you.
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