Cafu The Commuter

ByReuters

Published 23/05/2005 at 15:58 GMT

Cafu is known as the 'commuter' by Italian fans for his ceaseless journeys up and down the right flank. On Wednesday AC Milan's Brazilian fullback will take his first trip to a Champions League final to face Liverpool. LIVE THE FINAL WITH US ON WEDNESDAY

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The 34-year-old, in his second season at Milan after joining from AS Roma where in 2001 he was part of their first title success in 18 years, has achieved plenty in a successful career.

Cafu looked to have reached his peak, though, when he captained Brazil to their World Cup triumph in 2002.

A year after lifting the World Cup in Yokohama he was set to end his career in relative obscurity by returning to the Japanese city to play in the J-League.

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But Milan, fresh from their 2003 Champions League win over Juventus, decided to offer him the chance to extend his career in Serie A.

It was an inspired decision by Milan coach Carlo Ancelotti who had won the Champions League without using a recognised right-back.

Croatian Dario Simic and Italian Alessandro Costacurta, both central defenders, filled the duties for that campaign and the arrival of Cafu made a major impact on Milan's style of play.

With his overlapping runs down the right, his pinpoint crosses and ability to get to the byline, the Brazilian played an integral part in Milan's 2003 'scudetto' success.

Despite his advanced years Cafu has retained tremendous pace and incredible stamina.

OUTSTANDING

In the knockout stage of this year's tournament Cafu delivered two outstanding performances in the tie against Manchester United -- with both games won 1-0 by Milan.

After the second leg at the San Siro United manager Alex Ferguson could not hide his admiration for the Brazilian.

Together with his 36-year-old captain Paolo Maldini, Cafu contributed to a superb display from the Milan defence that left the not normally generous Ferguson full of praise.

"If Maldini plays for another five years then I am quitting," joked the United boss. "But with Cafu you never know, I think he has two hearts," added the Scotsman.

Cafu said recently that he has faced opponents who are quicker than him but believes being effective in his role is not just about raw pace.

"Several guys have been faster than me but I would say that speed is a very relative concept in football.

"It depends on where you are on the pitch -- it's not just a mere racing thing. I wouldn't like to name those faster guys, though," he said.

Cafu is the senior member of a quartet of Brazilians all of whom could feature in Wednesday's game in Istanbul.

Attacking midfielder Kaka is certain to start his first European final while left wing-back Serginho, in his sixth season with Milan, was a substitute at Old Trafford two years ago.

The quiet goalkeeper Dida was one of the heroes of that win in the final on penalties over Juventus and will start against Liverpool.

For Cafu, though, the final is the realisation of a long-held dream.

"It's a trophy I have always wanted to win. Thirteen years ago I played for Sao Paulo against Milan in the World Club Championship final, in Tokyo.

"We won 3-2 but it made me wonder how would it be to challenge for European honours," he said.

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