Michel Bastos

Michel Bastos is a left winger of Al-Ain. He was born on 2 August 1983 in a Brazilian town Pelotas.

The youth career of Bastos began in his home town, in FC Pelotas. Michel was attending the academy of the club during 7 years. Besides, Bastos actively participated in matches of the club’s youth team.

In 2001 the player moved to the Netherlands. He joined Feyenoord that was collecting talents from all over the world. But he never appeared in any match due to fierce competition.

In 2002 the club loaned the Brazilian to Excelsior that were also playing in the first division of the Dutch football. During the year Michel featured in 28 matches for the temporary club.

In 2003 Bastos made a decision to return home as he had been given an offer from Atlético Paranaense that later signed the player to a three-year contract. Bastos participated in the first season but appeared in just 10 matches.

In 2004 the club loaned the footballer to Grêmio for which Michel played 19 matches and scored 4 goals.

In 2005 he continued to play for Figueirense where he became the core player, scoring 10 goals.

In 2006 Michel was given a chance to return to Europe. In summer he signed a three-year contract with the football club Lille. As a member of the club he appeared in almost every match. He played in 97 matches and scored 25 goals during 3 seasons.

His performance drew the attention of the club Lyon. After the managers of the club and the coaching staff had had brief negotiations they decided to acquire Michel Bastos. The transfer sum made €18 million. After 98 successfull appearances for the club Michel was loaned to Schalke 04.

In 2013 the forward moved to Al-Ain, but was loaned to Roma in January 2014.

Bastos has got 10 caps for Brazil national team.