GIOVANNI
Olympiakos & Brazil
Full Name: Giovanni Silva de Oliveira
Date of Birth: February 4, 1972
Birthplace: Belen, Brazil
Height: 188 cm
Weight: 86 kg
Previous Clubs: Taça de Luz (Brazil), Tuna Luso (Brazil), Remo (Brazil), Sao Carlense (Brazil), Santos (Brazil), Barcelon (Spain)
Was picked for Brazilian squad for France '98 after it was decided that Juninho would not make a full recovery from a broken leg in time for the finals. His inclusion surprised many as he had not played for Brazil since last year's Copa America. Began the opening game against Scotland but was hauled off at halftime and publicly criticised by Zagallo for being apathetic.
Did not take any further part in the tournament. An elegant player who made his name with Santos, he traded Pele's number 10 shirt at Santos for the playmaker role at Barcelona. A fine finisher, and a particularly good header of the ball, Giovanni was the ideal foil for compatriot Ronaldo during his time at the Nou Camp.
Prone to petulance when things do not go his way and can produce some questionable tackling. Looks set to leave Barcelona this summer. Says Giovanni: "Of course I would like to stay and win titles here but I would prefer to play for a more modest club and play regularly than be sitting on the bench or in the stands." Has been at loggerheads with Barcelona coach Louis van Gaal for much of the season after complaining that he was being played out of position.
Said he would prefer not to play at all rather than in an unfamilar role and van Gaal gave him his wish by dropping him for almost two months. Also had disputes with former coach Bobby Robson although, after Robson became the Barcelona director of coaching in the summer of 1997, he was initially one of van Gaal's favourites.
