Tiago Abiola Delfim Almeida Ilori (born 26 February 1993) is a Nigerian born Portuguese central defender who completed his move to Liverpoo...
Tiago Abiola Delfim Almeida Ilori (born 26 February 1993) is a Nigerian born Portuguese central defender who completed his move to Liverpool on the deadline day of the summer transfer window.
Born in London, England to an English father of Nigerian descent and a Portuguese mother, Ilori joined Sporting Clube de Portugal's youth ranks in the 2006 summer as a striker, signing from 'Imortal Desportivo Clube'. For 2007–08 the 14-year-old was loaned to Lisbon neighbours 'G.D. Estoril Praia, returning for three more seasons and already reconverted as a Defender.
On 6 November 2011 Ilori made his official debut for the Lions' first team, playing the full 90 minutes in a 3–1 league home win against U.D. Leiria. On 14 December he played his first game in the UEFA Europa League, starting in a 0–2 group stage loss to S.S. Lazio at the Stadio Olimpico, as his team had already secured the first place in its group.
In only his fourth official appearance for Sporting, on 16 February 2013 at Gil Vicente, Ilori again played the entire match, and helped to a 3–2 success by scoring his team's second goal in the sixth minute.
The FA are to ask for talks with Liverpool’s new defender Tiago Ilori after it emerged he is eligible for the England national team. Ilori was born in England but has represented the Portuguese national team at junior level throughout his career in the country with Sporting.
On 2 September 2013, Ilori was signed by Liverpool for a total transfer fee of £7 million.
He is now the 3rd Nigerian in the Liverpool fold alongside Jordan Femi Ibe and Victor Moses who is on loan from Chelsea.
England were alerted to the possibility that Ilori could be persuaded to switch nationality after his move to Anfield.
Nevertheless, Nigeria too is another option. NFA should make their move while they still can. Best wishes.
Written by Olawale Dimeji. You can follow him on twitter
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