As a reward for finishing second in their Champions League group, Chelsea were given a tie against Spanish side FC Barcelona.
Following this, we take a look at a player to play for both sides. One player that might’ve slipped your minds.
This week’s Forgotten Blue is Juliano Belletti.
Belletti’s early career saw him play for a number of clubs in his native Brazil. The first eight years of his professional career saw him play for Cruzeiro and Sao Paulo, as well as a loan spell at Atletico Mineiro. His performances in Brazil earned attention from Europe.
A move to Valencia almost materialised in 2001, but a deal fell apart at the last minute. He got his move to Spain a year later, signing for Villarreal.
The full-back spent a couple seasons at the club before he earned the attention of Barcelona. In 2004, he signed for the club and became the first choice right-back at the Nou Camp. He won the title in his season at the club, but his second season at the club saw him battle for his spot.
He ended his second season with Barcelona ended in Paris with the Champions League final. He scored his first and only goal for the club in the final, scoring the winning goal as they defeated Arsenal to lift the Champions League.
His third season in Barcelona was marred by injury and the signing of Gianluca Zambrotta saw him fall down the pecking order. He rarely played in what was his final season in Spain.
In August 2007, Chelsea announced the signing of Belletti on a three-year deal. He made his debut two days after signing as the Blues were 4-0 winners over Portsmouth. Jose Mourinho’s departure in September saw Belletti play more regularly at right-back.
Belletti scored twice in his first season at the club. His goal against Tottenham was voted as Chelsea Goal of the Season for 2007/08. He ended his season with another Champions League final and scored his penalty with his first touch as Chelsea lost to Manchester United.
Jose Bosingwa’s signing saw Belletti reduced to a backup role at Stamford Bridge, but he was used in various areas across the pitch. He was an unused substitute as Chelsea won the FA Cup in 2009.
The following season saw Belletti linked with a return to Brazil, with Flamengo reportedly interested. Chelsea rejected the approaches and he remained at the club for the rest of the season. He appeared as a substitute as the Blues won the FA Cup in 2010.
He left the club in the summer of 2010, following the expiration of his contract. Belletti returned to his native Brazil and signed for Fluminense and played nine times before his retirement.
Belletti will be remembered at Stamford Bridge for his long-range goals, and left the club as a Premier League and FA Cup winner.
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