Biography
City’s elevation to the Premier League in 2008 was a startling turn of events for most supporters – and it was perhaps the signing of Brazilian international Geovanni that brought that startlement into sharpest focus. He announced himself in grand style with a left foot piledriver in City’s inaugural top flight fixture against Fulham. Then in a crazy week at the end of September he launched a right foot thunderbolt that prompted the lung-evacuating victory at Arsenal, then spanked a free kick past Tottenham to claim a second North London win and propel City to the upper reaches of the division. As City’s form faded Geovanni continued to shine, and he ended the season with eight goals. His second Premier League season at City mirrored the club’s form – far less effective than the previous season and played well only in flashes. An outrageously unfair red card at Burnley summed up a disappointing season, at the end of which Geo cancelled his contract and moved on. However we cannot let his story end on a down note – because Geovanni was one of Hull City’s most important players in their utterly incredible first spell in the Premier League, and is a surefire entry into any Tigers’ Hall of Fame.
Born in Acaiaca, a small Brazilian city near Belo Horizonte, Geovanni Deiberson Mauricio Gomez began his career at Cruzeiro. In 2001 he moved to Europe in the grand style, signing for Spanish giants Barcelona. After two seasons he moved west to Portuguese side Benfica. After a short spell back in Brazil, Geovanni joined Manchester City in 2007 where he built a reputation for extravagant skills during his single season.
Following his release by City in May 2010, Geo joined San Jose Earthquakes in the United States. But within a year he returned to Brazil and his career fizzled out.
After a number of under-23 caps, Geovanni won his sole senior Brazil cap against Mexico in 2001 Copa America.
Details
Nationality: Brazil
Date/Place of Birth: 11 January 1980, Acaiaca (Brazil)
Hull City First Game: 16 August 2008, Fulham H (Premier League), 28 years, 218 days old
Hull City Final Game: 9 May 2010, Liverpool H (Premier League), 30 years, 118 days old
Clubs
Cruzeiro (1997-2001), America-MG (1998-1999, loan), Barcelona (2001-2003), Benfica (2003, loan), Benfica (2003-2006), Cruzeiro (2006-2007), Manchester City (2007-2008), Hull City (2008-2010), San Jose Earthquakes (2010), Vitoria (2011-2012), America-MG (2012-2013), Bragantino (2013)
Hull City Record
Career: 65 apps, 13 goals
Geovanni| Season | LGE App | LGE Gls | FAC App | FAC Gls | FLC App | FLC Gls | EUR App | EUR Gls | OTH App | OTH Gls |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2008/09 | 32 (2) | 8 | 3 (0) | 0 | - | - | - | - | - | - |
| 2009/10 | 16 (10) | 3 | 1 (0) | 1 | 0 (1) | 1 | - | - | - | - |