Adrien Sébastien Perruchet da Silva, born 15 March 1989 in Angoulême, is a professional football midfielder who held dual citizenship in Portugal and France. His career path led him from the youth ranks of Sporting CP to appearances in major international tournaments, including the 2016 UEFA European Championship and the 2018 FIFA World Cup.
Formative Years
Silva began his football development at FC Girondins de Bordeaux at age ten. Following his family's move to Arcos de Valdevez, Portugal, he joined the local Associação Recreativa e Cultural de Paçô. A 2005 trial at Chelsea sparked a formal complaint from Sporting to FIFA regarding transfer procedures, resulting in Silva remaining in Portugal.
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In 2007, Silva signed his first professional contract with Sporting CP, earning a promotion to the main squad under manager Paulo Bento. His Primeira Liga debut occurred on 17 August 2007 against Académica de Coimbra. During his decade at the club, he played 241 games, scored 39 goals, and contributed to victories in the 2008 and 2015 Taça de Portugal. He received the club's Player of the Year award in November 2013.
Loan Periods and International Play
Silva completed loan spells at Maccabi Haifa in 2010 and Académica. While at Académica, he scored two goals in the 2011–12 Portuguese Cup campaign, ultimately defeating Sporting in the final. Internationally, he represented Portugal 46 times at youth levels. He earned his senior team debut in 2014 and was a member of the squad that secured the trophy at UEFA Euro 2016.
Transfer to Leicester City
On 31 August 2017, Leicester City agreed to a £22 million fee for Silva. The transfer documents reached FIFA 14 seconds past the deadline, rendering him ineligible to play until the subsequent transfer window. Leicester opted not to appeal the decision to the Court of Arbitration for Sport. Following his time in England, he participated in two loan stints at Monaco.
Fast facts
- Born: 15 March 1989, Angoulême, France
- Citizenship: Portugal and France
- Primary Position: Midfielder
- Sporting CP Appearances: 241
- Sporting CP Goals: 39
- Senior International Debut: 2014
- Honours: Commander of the Order of Merit of Portugal
Questions readers ask
Why was there a delay in his Leicester City debut?
The transfer paperwork was submitted 14 seconds after the deadline, forcing him to wait until the next transfer window to play.
Which international tournaments did he play in?
He participated in UEFA Euro 2016 and the 2018 FIFA World Cup.
