Pedro Botelho

Explosive left back Pedro Botelho joined Arsenal from Brazilian outfit Figueirense in the summer of 2007, but immediately joined the Gunners link club UD Salamanca on a two-year loan.

After being spotted playing beach football on the sands of Salvador, he was signed up by Figueirense and rose quickly through their ranks. The tall, left footed and stylish full back turned out on a handful of occasions for the first team, which brought him to the attention of Arsenal, leading to a trial in January 2006. After creating a goal and smashing the cross bar during an Under 18 game, he was signed the following summer.

Due to work permit issues, he was loaned out to Salamanca for two campaigns. FIFA rules meant his debut was delayed until his 18th Birthday, but he finally made his entrance away to Malaga. Pedro initially struggled to force his way into a now established and together team, but his influence from the bench left a lasting impression. A handful of appearances towards the end of the year gave him the chance to show his abilities, leaving many Union fans in awe.

Now nicknamed ‘Pedrinho’, his lung bursting, jinking, skillful runs saw him tirade down the left flank whenever given possession, offering a fantastic addition to the attack. Botelho was recalled for pre-season training withArsenal during the summer of 2008, but returned to Spain in late July to complete a second year on loan with Salamanca

In the 2008-2009 season he was a regular in the Union XI. All in all he made 27 appearances and drew 11 yellow cards from opponents who tried to tackle the rampaging starlet. However, he quit Salamanca two weeks before the end of the campaign after disciplinaryproblems saw the relationship with the coaching staff break down.

Botelho skipped training to go and watch Real Madrid V Juventus in the Champions League, called a match official ‘a cheat’ on live television, and then refused to take part in extra training. These attitude problems led to several fines and warnings from manager David Armaral, but ultimately his time with Salamanca was successful.