Rolando

Rolando Jorge Pires da Fonseca is a defender of Porto. He was born on 31 August 1985 in São Vicente, Cape Verde.

In 1999 the young footballer joined the Campomaiorense academy where he spent four years. During this period he gained basic experience and became one of the best products of the academy. In 2003 Rolando moved to the Belenenses academy where he finally prepared to start his career in professional football.

In 2004 Rolando penned the first contract in his career with Belenenses where he had finished his football formation. After making several appearances the defender managed to secure a place in the starting eleven and continued to deliver solid performances as a regular. From 2004 to 2008 Rolando scored 7 goals in 97 games for Belenenses.

In 2008 Porto was informed that Rolando was available for transfer. It took some time for both clubs to discuss the details of the transfer and in the summer 2008 they finally reached an agreement. Rolando sealed a long-term deal with Porto. The head coach sometimes includes him in the starting line-up where he already took part in more than 100 matches and scored 7 goals.

In January 2013 the Portuguese was loaned out to Napoli and half a year later to Internazionale.

From 2006 to 2008 Rolando da Fonseca featured in 7 games for the Portugal U-21 national team. Since 2009 he has been called-up more than 15 times to the Portugal national football team.