António da Cruz Pinto Saraiva (3 May 1934 – 7 May 2018), simply known as Saraiva, was a Portuguese footballer who played as a defender, either in the center or in the right.

Saraiva
Personal information
Full name António da Cruz Pinto Saraiva
Date of birth (1934-05-03)3 May 1934
Place of birth Peso da Régua, Portugal
Date of death 7 May 2018(2018-05-07) (aged 84)
Place of death Portimão, Portugal
Height 1.81 m (5 ft 11 in)
Position(s) Defender
Youth career
1974–1977 Benfica
Senior career*
Years Team Apps (Gls)
1954–1955 SC Régua
1955–1956 Salgueiros
1956–1959 Caldas 74 (3)
1959–1963 Benfica 29 (1)
Total 103 (4)
*Club domestic league appearances and goals

Career

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Born in Peso da Régua, Saraiva started playing in his hometown club, Sport Club Régua, before moving to S.C. Salgueiros. In 1956, he joined Caldas Sport Clube, drawing the attention of S.L. Benfica, that acquire him in 1959, after Caldas was relegated.[1]

Making his debut on 22 November 1959 at hands of Béla Guttmann, over the course of four seasons, he makes 29 league appearances with one goal. He played his last match for Benfica on 24 March 1963, with Fernando Riera.[1]

Honours

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Benfica[1]

References

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  1. ^ a b c "Morreu António Saraiva, antigo campeão europeu pelo Benfica" [Former European Champion, António Saraiva died today]. Público (in Portuguese). 7 May 2018. Retrieved 8 May 2018.
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