China (footballer, born 1980)


Leonardo Bruno dos Santos Silva known as China is a Brazilian footballer of Chinese heritage as a Right back.

Career

Dos Santos Silva is a strong right-back who began his football career with Bangor and had spells with Palmeiras, América-RJ and Volta Redonda before he joined Flamengo in 2004.
In 2005, he moved to VfL Bochum. China helped the German club to rise to the first division and gained some prominence in European football. However, he preferred to return to Brazil in 2006 to Paysandu, Campeonato Paraense defending champions, then go through Coritiba, Avaí and in 2008, competed in the Campeonato Carioca at Madureira.
Later that year, after the state fair, China joined the European club Paços Ferreira, Portugal, signing a contract for two years. He was released before the end of the contract. A major factor in the withdrawal from the Portuguese club was a knee ligament problem that haunted him for some time.
After spending most of 2008 and 2009 without any action, China was hired by the Volta Redonda to compete in the Campeonato Carioca 2010 and later that year ended up going to Bangu, where he played the Série D of the Brazilian Championship.
After his contract with Bangu was done, China joined Série B side ABC on May 18, 2011.