Biography

Signed in the summer of 2004, Tiago is a Portuguese international midfielder with the ability to control the tempo of the game, linking defence and attack.  

His final game for former club Benfica was as an important part of the team that defeated José Mourinho's Porto in the Portuguese Cup Final, one of only five defeats for the Chelsea manager in 2004. He weighed in with 13 league goals that season and showed in bursts his goalscoring prowess in his first year with Chelsea, no more so than with a stunner at Old Trafford in May.

Braga was Tiago's first employer in Portugal and after two-and-a-half years he was taken to capital by the giants Benfica, making his international debut before another year had passed.

A non-playing member of Portugal's Euro 2004 squad, he was also selected for his country's Olympic side but missed that tournament and the first game of Chelsea's season through minor injury.

On his first start away at Crystal Palace, Tiago scored his first goal and instanly became the recipient of a new song from the appreciative fans. A regular in the midfield three, he appeared in 34 of the 38 games in Chelsea's Championship-winning season. 

Player Info

Date of Birth: 02 May 1981

Height: 5 10

Signed: 21 Jul 2004

Previous clubs: Benfica (Undisclosed)