Manchester United midfielder Anderson has revealed how his junior days were plagued by major setbacks.

Anderson said: "My father died when I was 10. Aged 11 I was already away from home to earn a living. I could've become a criminal or a drug dealer, as the area I lived in was very poor, but thankfully I was passionate about football and Gremio signed me.

"Then when I played against Benfica in 2006-07, Giorgios Karagounis came in with a horrible challenge and fractured my tibia with complications in the right ankle ligaments.

"I was out for eight months and I admit I feared for my career."