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Don’t tell Cellino: Famous Leeds flop Roque Junior lands Ituano sporting director role

Leeds United's Roque Junior (Reuters)
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Former Leeds flop Roque Junior is back in football.

Leeds United's Roque JuniorLeeds United flop Roque Junior

He arrived at Elland Road billed as a World Cup winner, but left after just seven games lambasted as one of the club’s worst ever signings.

Roque Junior’s 2003 loan spell at Leeds United is infamous, with the centre-back a firm fixture in any compilation of the biggest Premier League flops of all time.

The defender retired in 2010 in his early 30s, after failing to re-ignite his career.

He will be working alongside former Brazilian teammate Juninho Paulista, famed for his stunning free-kicks, who is currently the manager of the club.

At his unveiling he declared: “I accepted the invitation because it is a great opportunity, I came here as a player and I have a great friendship with Juninho. Life is based on mistakes and successes. I feel more prepared and well to be able to do a good job in Ituano.”

Roque Junior has spent time previously studying coaching at Borussia Dortmund, Athletic Bilbao and Porto.

As the defender steps up his post-playing career, just hope Massimo Cellino doesn’t find out.

There won’t be many who would welcome the prospect of seeing the Brazilian one day land a director of football role at Elland Road.

United's Roque Junior of Brazil fails to intercept during the EnglishLeeds United’s Roque Junior struggling in action