Career
In Turkish league 2002–2003 season he scored 10 goals in 17 games and then he was released by Fenerbahçe because of his health problems.
Washington was submitted to a coronary catheterization. Once recovered, physicians told him that playing football would not represent a risk to his condition. Then he signed with Atlético Paranaense where he was 2004 Série A top-scorer with 34 goals and broke the league's record. For his recovery, he was dubbed Coração Valente, the title of the movie Braveheart in Brazil.
In 2005 he moved to Japan to play for Tokyo Verdy in the J. League Division 1. He had a successful season there with 22 goals in 33 games but could not save his club from relegation. In 2006 he transferred to Urawa Red Diamonds and helped the Reds win their first ever J. League Division 1 title, becoming the top scorer in the league with 26 goals in 26 games. In 2007, he became 2007 FIFA Club World Cup top scorer and his team finished in third place.
On December 21, 2007 Washington returned to Brazil to play for Fluminense. His contract was valid through the end of 2008. Washington finished as the Campeonato Brasileiro Série A 2008 top scorer, with 21 goals, tied with Keirrison and Kléber Pereira. Even though he renewed his contract with São Paulo until the end of the 2010 season he eventually returned to Fluminense on July 27, 2010. He played a major role in the team's run to win the 2010 Série A, scoring 10 goals throughout the competition and being involved in the play that guaranteed the team's championship (in the last game of the season).
On January 13, 2011, while training with Fluminense in Mangaratiba, Washington announced his retirement from football.
Read more about this topic: Washington (footballer)
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