Quick Facts
LeoBiography
Roger Galera Flores, or simply Roger (born August 17, 1978), is a former Brazilian attacking midfielder. He was a talented left-footed player who excelled with his dribbling, technique, passing range and strong shot.
Career
Born in Rio de Janeiro, Roger started his professional career with Fluminense under coach Carlos Alberto Parreira in 1999. He was the main player in the team's Brazilian Série C winning campaign, and was the symbol of the restructuring of the club. Parreira once compared him to Diego Maradona, for having a similar style. After a relatively successful campaign in the regular series, in which the team ended 2nd, Roger was involved in a discussion in the halftime of the playoff game against São Caetano and left the stadium. Fluminense ended losing that game and being eliminated from the playoffs.
In 2004 Roger played for Brazil, in a friendly match against Haiti. He scored two goals as Brazil won 6–0. He also played for the Brazil U-23 team in the 2000 Olympics football tournament.
Roger was transferred to the Portuguese club Benfica for a brief six-month period in 2001 for a reported US$6 million. However, he did not adjust and returned to Fluminense (on loan) only 6 months after the transaction. Roger returned to Benfica in 2002. In 2004, Roger returned to Fluminense once again but did not play as well as the previous years.
In 2005, Roger was acquired by Corinthians for a reported US$7 million. In late October 2005, he broke his leg in a 1-1 tie with Vasco da Gama which knocked him out for the rest of the Championship. He has since recovered from the injury and has been playing again since January 2006.
On July 13, 2007, CR Flamengo signed the player on a six-month loan contract.
On January 17, 2008, Roger signed a contract with Grêmio Football Porto Alegrense. In July, Roger signed a contract with Qatar Sports Club, and left Grêmio.
On February 4, 2010, Roger left the Middle East and signed a contract with Cruzeiro to play Copa Libertadores.
Honours
Club
- Taça Rio 1998
- Brazilian League - Serie C 1999
- Campeonato Carioca 2002
- Supertaça de Portugal 2005
- Brazilian League 2005
- Campeonato Mineiro: 2011
Individual
- Brazilian Bola de Prata (Placar): 2001