Pedrinha

Born in Oliveira de Azeméis, Porto metropolitan area, Pedrinha grew up in the ranks of F.C. Penafiel and made his debut as a senior in the Segunda Liga, switching in 2001 to F.C. Paços de Ferreira and making his first Primeira Liga appearance on 12 August of that year, against C.F. Os Belenenses. He was an instant first choice for his new club as well as their captain, enduring relegation at the end of the 2003–04 season but being promoted immediately after. On 22 April 2009, Pedrinha scored twice – both from penalty kicks – in a 3–2 away win over C.D. Nacional in the second leg of the semi-finals of the Taça de Portugal (5–4 aggregate victory). During his career at Paços and two seasons at Penafiel, he partnered Paulo Sousa in central midfield. On 26 January 2010, Bulgarian side PSFC Chernomorets Burgas signed Pedrinha to a two-year deal worth €180,000; "I hope he will lead the team into the heavy battles in the second half of the season", team manager Krassimir Balakov said upon his arrival. He made his debut two days later, in a 3–0 friendly win against PFC Nesebar. Pedrinha was released by Chernomorets in December 2010, after Balakov resigned as head coach. In late June of the following year, the 33-year-old returned to his first professional club Penafiel, also in the second tier; after retiring, he became manager of the latter's reserves.