Diego Tardelli


Diego Tardelli Martins, known as simply Diego Tardelli, is a Brazilian professional footballer who plays as a forward for Atlético Mineiro. He is considered a dynamic player due to his speed on attack and individual skills. Tardelli is not his last name, but his second name: it was chosen by his father after his footballing idol, Italian World Cup winner Marco Tardelli.

Club career

Early career

Born in Santa Bárbara d'Oeste, São Paulo, Tardelli was a product of São Paulo's youth system. He had abroad loan stints with La Liga's Real Betis and Eredivisie club PSV in 2006–07. In starting of his career, Tardelli was known as Dinei, a former forward of Corinthians, because Tardelli also painted his hair of a blond color.

Flamengo

Tardelli joined Flamengo in January 2008, and scored the winning goal in the Taça Guanabara final against Botafogo. Once again, in the final of Rio de Janeiro State League 2008 against Botafogo, he entered in the second half and he changed the game. He scored a goal and made an assist to Obina.
Tardelli incurred a serious injury on 3 August 2008 in a match against Cruzeiro, fracturing his right arm after falling awkwardly. A surgery has been necessary, and the Flamengo's medical staff indicated that he would be out of playing until the end of 2008.
After recovering faster than expected, exactly four months after breaking his arm, on 23 November 2008. Tardelli returned to the field in the second half of the match against Cruzeiro, but this time away from Rio de Janeiro. He was sent off in the last minute after arguing with referee Carlos Eugênio Simon about a polemic play he claimed a penalty.

Atlético Mineiro

Tardelli left Flamengo on 12 January 2009, and subsequently signed for fellow league team Atlético Mineiro.
Tardelli was linked with a move to French club Saint-Étienne, but Atlético Mineiro refused to let him go before the end of the 2009 season.

Anzhi Makhachkala

On 8 March 2011, Tardelli completed a move to Russian side Anzhi Makhachkala following an in-depth medical examination at the Dagi's pre-season training base. The club reportedly paid €7.5 million for his services on a four-year deal.
Tardelli started in only seven games during the whole campaign, and failed to find the net in his 13 appearances. He was also strongly linked with a move back to his homeland after struggling to adapt to life in Russia.

Al-Gharafa

On 10 January 2012, Tardelli announced that he had put pen to paper on a two-and-a-half-year deal with Qatari side Al-Gharafa. His transfer fee is reported at €7 million.
He made his debut on 20 January 2012, missing a penalty kick 30 minutes after coming on as a substitute in a 2–0 loss against Al Khor. On his second-ever AFC Champions League match, he scored a brace in order to salvage a draw against Al-Hilal FC on 21 March.

Return to Atlético Mineiro

On 18 January 2013, his mother Ivânia, through Twitter, announced Tardelli's comeback to Atlético Mineiro. Her words were, "Muito Feliz! Meu filho está de volta ao Galo. Obrigado, Senhor!". Tardelli rejoined the club on loan until the 2014 FIFA World Cup. The value of the negotiation was undisclosed. On 27 January, Tardelli confirmed the negotiations were nearly over, only waiting for a new player to arrive at his current club and by 31 January, the negotiation is complete and he joined Atlético Mineiro. Finally, on 2 February 2013, Alexandre Kalil, president of Atlético, announced the return of Tardelli. The deal is around €5.25 million with a four-year contract.

Shandong Luneng

On 17 January 2015, Tardelli joined Chinese club Shandong Luneng. On 14 February 2015, he made his official debut in the 2015 Chinese FA Super Cup against Guangzhou Evergrande Taobao. On 13 July 2015, he scored two goals in a match against Shijiazhuang Ever Bright.

Grêmio

On 12 February 2019, Tardelli joined Brazilian club Grêmio on a 3-year contract.

Second return to Atlético Mineiro

On 12 February 2020, Tardelli joined Atlético Mineiro for the third time on a free transfer.

International career

Tardelli was called up by Brazilian coach Dunga on 28 July 2009 for a friendly match against Estonia in Tallinn on 12 August. This was his first ever call up to the Brazil national team. On 11 May 2010, he was called up to the 2010 FIFA World Cup squad as one of the seven backup players.
In October 2013, in a great shape playing for Atlético Mineiro, Tardelli said on being left out from manager Luiz Felipe Scolari international squad, "Now, again, football professionals have asked my calling up. I did not give up yet, I keep working, who knows about Brazilian team is Felipão or who is inside there can watch my phase."
On 11 October 2014, in the 2014 Superclásico de las Américas in Beijing, Tardelli scored both goals of a 2-0 victory against Argentina.
On 28 May 2015, Tardelli was included in Brazil's 23-man squad for the 2015 Copa América by coach Dunga.
On 15 October 2017, Tardelli was called by manager Tite to games against Bolívia and Chile.

Career statistics

Club

International

International goals

Honours

Club

São Paulo
PSV
Flamengo
Atlético Mineiro
Al-Gharafa
Shandong Luneng
Brazil