Club Career
Born in Lisbon, Valente began his career at second division club Portimonense Sporting Clube, loaned by hometown's Sporting Clube de Portugal. However, he found first team chances limited in the capital outfit and, despite success in helping win the Portuguese Cup in 1995, he was loaned for 1996–97 to fellow league side Club Sport Marítimo.
A young José Mourinho recognized Valente's talent and brought him to his then club, União de Leiria. He spent three years at Leiria, helping the club achieve successful seasons. In 2002, when Mourinho left to join F.C. Porto, Valente and teammate Derlei were the first signings made by the coach. Valente repaid Mourinho's faith in him with some good displays as Porto romped to victory in the national league, and won the UEFA Cup against Celtic FC (3–2).
The following season, Valente produced yet another excellent season, helping his club to domestic championship and Champions League wins, as the defender appeared in 11 games during that run, 10 of those complete. At the season's closure, he renewed his contract until 2007.
After Mourinho left for Chelsea, Valente picked up a succession of injuries. In total he only played eight games in the entire domestic season, but returned in time to face F.C. Internazionale Milano in the Champions League quarterfinal, but could not prevent his team losing 4–2 on aggregate.
After another poor season, which included an ultimatum by Porto president Jorge Nuno Pinto da Costa that ordered him to choose between club or national team, eventually leading to a suspension, he was signed by Everton on a three-year deal worth €2.2 million, under recommendation of mentor Mourinho, at the end of August 2005, after the Merseyside club lost regular left-back Alessandro Pistone to injury. Valente took a while to adapt to the hectic pace of the Premier League, but soon became a key feature in the Everton side from then on. In the 2005–06 and 06–07 seasons he was considered first-choice, but faced stiff competition from Scotsman Gary Naysmith. In February 2007, Everton took the option of a one-year extension to Valente's contract, tying him to the club until 2008.
In May 2008, Valente signed another one-year link, but would fall down the pecking order at Everton, usually backing Leighton Baines; furthermore, with centre back Joleon Lescott also being able to play the position, he received little playing time during 2008–09, being released on 12 June 2009 and choosing to retire from playing.
Upon his retirement, Valente was appointed Everton's official scout in Portugal. After one year, he returned to main club Sporting, joining Paulo Sérgio's coaching staff.
Read more about this topic: Nuno Valente
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