Gustavo Manduca (born 8 June 1980) is a Brazilian former footballer who played as a forward or an attacking midfielder, currently a manager. He also held an Italian passport, and played professionally in five countries, mainly in Portugal – where he represented six teams in seven years, including a very brief spell with Benfica. He amassed Primeira Liga totals of 91 games and 15 goals over three seasons. Manduca signed with APOEL in 2010 from AEK Athens, remaining with the former club until his retirement and winning eight major titles. Playing career Early years and Portugal Manduca was born in Urussanga, Santa Catarina. After a brief spell with Grêmio he signed with Finnish club HJK in 1998 and, after only two matches, was loaned to Atlantis of the country's second division for the remainder of the season. In 1999, Manduca moved to Portugal, successively representing Felgueiras, Esposende and Chaves, all in the Segunda Liga. In the 2003–04 campaign he made his Primeira Liga debut, joining Paços de Ferreira. Manduca blossomed into a top-flight player with Marítimo, where he scored in a 2004–05 UEFA Cup first round penalty shootout exit against Rangers, moving to Benfica in January 2006 on a four-and-a-half-year contract. He appeared in 16 league games in his only season, netting in a 3–1 loss at União de Leiria on 4 February. AEK Athens In August 2006, Manduca signed a one-year loan with the option for a permanent move with AEK Athens, as he was deemed surplus to requirements by new Benfica coach Fernando Santos. He made three appearances in that season's UEFA Champions League, and helped the club to the second place in the Super League Greece. On 16 May 2007, he agreed to a permanent three-year deal for a fee of €800,000. On 2 May 2009, Manduca and his team reached the final of the Greek Cup, losing to Olympiacos 15–14 on penalties after a 4–4 draw in extra time. APOEL After four years of regular use at AEK, the 30-year-old Manduca signed a three-year contract with APOEL from Cyprus. In his debut season he won the First Division for the first national championship of his career, scoring ten goals and providing as many assists. On 13 September 2011, in a home game against Zenit Saint Petersburg in the Champions League, Manduca scored the equaliser in the 73rd minute and, two minutes later, assisted compatriot Aílton for