Artur Moraes

A Brazilian footballer Artur Moraes is currently attached to Benfica. He was born on 25 January 1981 in Leme.

In 1996, Artur got to the academy of Paulista, where he was groomed during the following five years. Over that period, the young goalkeeper played for various youth teams, becoming one of the top footballers of the academy and earning a chance to get to the senior level.

In the summer 2001, Paulista offered the player his first pro contract. Moraes spent two years with the team, but he didn’t manage to become an anchor player. He only occasionally appeared on the field as a starter.

In 2003, the goalkeeper signed a four-year contract with Cruzeiro. Over the course of three seasons, he featured in 43 fixtures of the club, making rare appearances as a starter. He wasn’t disappointed with such a situation, as he understood all the importance of the playing practice he got while performing for the squad. He was sent on loan to Coritiba in 2006, where he stayed during the next season. That season was lined with 25 matches.

In January 2008, Artur was scouted by Siena. He joined the main team but was almost immediately sent on loan to Cesena. The goalkeeper played for the temporary club for half and a year, making 18 appearances. In the summer 2008, a new move to Roma happened. He signed a two-year contract with the club and became the member of the reserves. In total, he was let 12 times on the field.

In 2010, Artur joined Braga, which was performing in the Primeira Liga. Over the course of the 2010/2011 season, Moraes appeared in 18 matches only, but it turned to be enough for the scouts from Benfica to notice the talented player. He fitted the team perfectly, taking part in the 2011/2012 Champions League. Together with the squad Artur reached the quarterfinal.