Claudio Cacapa Bio Send To Friend  

A relic of Sam Allardyce's era, his leadership skills and experience were qualities the arriving boss was desperate to add to a defence which had been creaking for years in the summer of 2008.

Just like his buyer, Cacapa struggled badly at St James' Park, even getting subbed for poor play after just 18 minutes against Portsmouth in November 2007.

Capaca joined on a free transfer in July 2007 following the expiry of his deal which French champions Lyon.

The Brazilian central defender had been an integral member of the Lyon squad which won six consecutive titles and was their captain for five years.

He began his career in his homeland with Atlético Mineiro before moving to Lyon in 2000.

The player had won the award for the best defender in the league, the Bola de Prata, in 1999.

Capaca had won three caps for Brazil prior to his move to the Premier League.

Capaca made his Newcastle debut as a last minute substitute for Geremi in a 0-0 draw at home to Aston Villa - the 1000th player to represent the Magpies. His first start came in the 2-0 Carling Cup win over Barnsley at St James' Park.