Paulo Assunção


Paulo Assunção da Silva, known as Assunção, is a Brazilian retired professional footballer who played as a defensive midfielder.
He was best known for his positioning and tackling, and also held a Portuguese passport due to the many years in spent in the country, mainly at the service of Porto. He also played four years in La Liga with Atlético Madrid, winning two Europa League trophies.

Club career

Early years / Porto

Assunção was born in Várzea Grande, Mato Grosso. After first appearing professionally for Sociedade Esportiva Palmeiras he emigrated to Portugal, having a short stint with FC Porto's B-team and returning shortly to Palmeiras. In the 2002–03 season he joined Madeira's C.D. Nacional, and made his Primeira Liga debut on 26 January 2003 in a 0–0 home draw against Vitória de Guimarães.
After two highly successful individual campaigns, Assunção was purchased again by Porto, but would be loaned for 2004–05 to AEK Athens FC, managed by former Porto coach Fernando Santos. In July 2005 he returned, going on to be an instrumental element in the team's midfield, as they eventually won three consecutive league championships.
Assunção left the Estádio do Dragão after being threatened with a shot to the knee by supporters of the club who wanted him to renew his contract.

Atlético Madrid

In early July 2008, after buying out the remainder of his contract, Assunção joined Atlético Madrid. He adjusted quickly with the capital club, playing in all La Liga matches safe four and helping it repeat the fourth-place finish, with a subsequent qualification to the UEFA Champions League.
Defensive-minded Assunção scored his first goal for the Colchoneros on 17 January 2010, during the team's 3–2 home win against Sporting de Gijón. whilst continuing as the undisputed first-choice at holding midfielder. He lost that position midway through the 2010–11 season, to newly signed Mario Suárez.
In the 2011–12 campaign, Assunção was only fourth-choice in his position after Suárez, Gabi and Tiago. He did contribute with six appearances – four starts – as Atlético reached and won the UEFA Europa League final.

São Paulo / Deportivo

After more than one decade in European football, Assunção returned to his country to play for São Paulo FC. The deal was confirmed on 21 July 2012 but, on 28 December, it was terminated by mutual consent, with the player returning to Spain and joining Deportivo de La Coruña.
In January 2014, 34-year-old Assunção signed for Levadiakos F.C. in the Superleague Greece, leaving in June after failing to appear in any competitive matches.

Personal life

Assunção's son, Gustavo, is also a footballer and a midfielder.

Career statistics

Club

Honours

Porto
Atlético Madrid
São Paulo