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João Alves de Assis - more commonly known as Jô - became Manchester City's record signing in July 2008 for a fee which was reported to be in the region of £19m. But he never came close to justifying that price tag and was farmed out on loan.

He began his career with Corinthians in his homeland before moving to Europe in 2005 with CSKA Moscow. In Russia he won the league title in 2006, plus two Supercups and the Russian Cup. During his time at the club he scored a hugely impressive 44 goals in 77 games.

Jo made his international debut for Brazil against Turkey in June 2007 - his only cap before moving to the Premier League.

The striker made his debut for City in July 2008 in a 2-0 UEFA Cup qualifying victory in the Faroe Islands against EB/Streymur. However, City would have to do without Jo in August as he was named in Brazil's squad for the Olympic Games in Beijing.

'He's a big guy, in stature and ability, so I think everybody will enjoy watching him play,' said City boss Mark Hughes. 'A lot has been said about him and there was an expectation on him coming out of Brazil, so with the success he's had, I think it's a real coup that we've been able to bring him to the club.'

Howver, Jo failed to make any kind of impression at Eastlands and had scored only one Premier League goal when he was loaned to Everton for the remainder of the season on deadline day in February 2009.

Jo's impact at Goodison Park was instant as he scored one and made the other in a 3-0 home win over Bolton Wanderers. He was an instant crowd favourite.

The striker went on to score five Premier League goals in 11 starts at Everton, and though they could not afford to buy him from City he returned to the Toffees on loan for 2009-10.

However, after a falling out with manager David Moyes over Christmas, Jo opted to move to Turkish side Galatasaray on loan for the rest of the season.