Giovane ELBER
Bayern Munich & Brazil
Date of Birth: July 23, 1972
Birthplace: Londrina, Brazil
Height: 182 cm
Weight: 76 kg
Previous Clubs: FC Londrina (Brazil), Grasshopper Zürich (Switzerland), VFB Stuttgart (Germany)
The gifted Brazilian striker joined Bayern from VfB Stuttgart for 12 million marks ($6.7 million) in the most expensive German transfer for the '97-98 season on a salary of 4.5 million marks. Facing the huge task of replacing Juergen Klinsmann Elber struggled to adapt initially but is now in great form, scoring and setting up plenty of goals.
Has been recalled to the Brazil side coach Vanderley Luxemburgo. Has extended his contract at Bayern Munich by three years through to 2004 after turning down a possible move to a Spanish club. Elber has said he would be happy to stay at Bayern until his early thirties before returning home to finish his career. Was sidelined by a serious knee injury earlier in '99 but has now returned to Bayern's starting lineup.