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Wednesday, 15 May, 2002, 14:47 GMT 15:47 UK

Fernando Couto

Club: Lazio
Position: Defender

Fernando Couto's World Cup hopes had looked in jeopardy after he failed a drugs test for nandrolone.

But he has since served a reduced ban, protesting his innocence for the duration of it, and is back playing for both Lazio and Portugal.

He made his debut along with Vitor Baia in 1990 and has been a massive influence both in Serie A and at international level.

Couto had previously enjoyed successful spells at Barcelona and Parma and is one of Portugal's most prosperous footballing exports, noted for his graceful skills and surging runs which turn defence into attack.


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