Careca

Source Wikipedia

Antônio de Oliveira Filho known as Careca was born in Araraquara, on October 5, 1960.

He grew up in the Guarani youth sector and in 1978 joined the first team squad. He stayed four years, playing 254 games with 114 goals. In 1978 the "Bugre" won their first ever league title.

In 1983 he joined São Paolo where stayed until August 1987. With the Tricolor Paulista he played 179 games and scored 108 goals. They won the Paulista title in 1985 and 1986 and the Brazilian title in 1986.

In 1987 he came to Europe and joined Napoli where he paired up with Diego Maradona and Bruno Giordano (the MA-GI-CA). In his first season the Partenopei finished 2nd under Ottavio Bianchi. Careca scored 13 goals in Serie A and 5 in Coppa Italia.

In 1988-89 Napoli finished 2nd again in Serie A but won the UEFA Cup (Stuttgart 5-4 on aggregate with 2 Careca goals). He scored 19 league goals, 2 in Coppa Italia and 6 in the UEFA Cup.

In 1989-90, under Alberto Bigon, Napoli won their 2nd Scudetto. He scored 10 league goals and 2 in the UEFA Cup. He played slightly less due to injuries, Andrea Carnevale's form and the arrival of Gianfranco Zola.

In 1990-91 Napoli finished 8th but won the Supercoppa (Juventus 5-1 with Careca brace). The season was affected by Maradona being suspended for doping in March. Careca scored 9 league goals, 1 in Coppa Italia plus the 2 in the Supercoppa.

In 1991-92 Napoli finished 4th under Claudio Ranieri. Careca scored 17 goals (15 in A).

The 1992-93 season was his last with Napoli. The Azzurri started with Ranieri (1-10) and finished with Bianchi and ended up 11th. Careca despite further injuries scored 7 league goals and 3 in Coppa Italia.

His career then continued with Kashiwa Reysol in Japan for three years. He played 74 games and scored 40 goals.

In 1997 he returned to Brazil and played for Santos, Campinas, São José-RS and Campinas again. He then retired in 1999 although he did turn out for Campinas again in 2004.

With Brazil he won 60 caps and scored 29 goals. He took part in two World Cups and two editions of the Copa America (runner-up in 1983).

Since retiring he has worked as a talent scout, TV pundit and as a player agent.

Careca was a centre-forward. He was 1.82 and 76 kilos and was a complete attacker. He was extremely quick, strong and skilful. He could use both feet and was also good in the air. He had a natural sense of position and his speciality was a low, precise cross goal shot. He scored 362 times in his career.

At Napoli he is a legend. He played in the Maradona years, some of the best in their history. The Ma-Gi-Ca is considered one of the best attacking trios ever in Italian football. He played 221 games for Napoli with 96 goals (9th in Napoli history).

Sources

Wikipedia