Wed 29 Aug 07
Middlesbrough 2
Northampton 0
Goal

Sat 14 Apr 07
Middlesbrough 1
Aston Villa 3
Goal

Sat 07 Apr 07
Middlesbrough 4
Watford 1
Goal

BRAZILIAN international midfielder snapped up from Barcelona in a deadline-beating deal on August 31 2005.

Although registered with the Catalan giants, Fabio had spent three seasons on loan with Sporting Lisbon.

Capped seven times by Brazil, he began his career with Brazilian side Internacional before joining Barca in a big money move as a teenager in 2001.

But he was loaned out after becoming a victim of the frequent regime changes at the Nou Camp.

It was in Lisbon that he came to Boro's attention, even before he impressed during his side's UEFA Cup win at the Riverside.

Boro tracked the player throughout the summer and applied in advance of negotiations for a work permit, which was granted on appeal.

The foresight proved worthwhile when Fabio penned a five-year deal shortly before the transfer window closed.

His first season on Teesside proved eventful as he scored the opener in a famous 3-0 win over champions-elect Chelsea, before helping Boro reach what was the player's second sucessive UEFA Cup final - and, sadly, he won his second runners-up medal.

He formed an excellent partnership with Julio Arca in the 2007/08 season, earning a prolonged run in the team before he was suspended for picking up his tenth booking of the campaign.