He's Portugal, France, Brazil and England in one midfield package - and Baggies fans are delighted about it
Born in Paris but definitely Portuguese, Felipe Teixeira has absorbed the benefits of both nations - and others, including Brazil and England.
The midfield creator began his career at the turn of the century in the Portuguese third division with FC Felgeuiras before shifting up a gear to French second-tier outfit FC Istres. From there he was picked up by Paris St-Germain, sharing a locker room with a certain Brazilian called Ronaldinho. After an impressive season on loan at Portuguese side Uniao Leiria, it was back to PSG for a term before, with Germany 2006 looming, the former Portugal U21 star returned once more to his parent country for a longer spell with Academica de Coimbra, hoping to get a call-up from Big Phil Scolari.
In July 2007, he signed a three-year deal with West Brom, who paid £600,000 for his services. Baggies fans were delighted to find that the influence of his famous former team-mate had rubbed off a little: he shares Ronaldinho’s fondness for fancy footwork and an eye for the spectacular goal.
After overcoming initial teething problems, he has established himself as a favourite among the Baggies support, scoring five times in his first season. However, a cruciate ligament injury in March 2008 left a question mark over his fitness going into the 2008/09 season.