Meireles first came to prominence with Boavista FC in 2003 and was soon picked up by hometown club FC Porto the following season. Establishing himself quickly in the side’s central midfield, his passing range and ability to get goals while also acting as a defensive midfielder won over his critics and he picked up four Portuguese titles and three Portuguese cups while at the club. After six years, Meireles opted to take on a new challenge with Liverpool after impressing at the 2010 World Cup with Portugal and signed for the Premier League club for £11.5 million. He made a slow start under Roy Hodgson, but he improved markedly when Kenny Dalglish took charge in January. However, with Liverpool reinforcing in central midfield in the summer of 2011, there were rumours he would be on his way. On the final day of the window, he submitted a transfer request before completing a move to Chelsea, where he would link up with former Porto boss Andre Villas-Boas.
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