When Spurs signed Brazilian international Gilberto from Schalke in 2008, it was seen as a coup. He was playing for his national team and had performed well in Germany - winning the Bundesliga left back of the year in 2004-05 and regularly performing well both defensively and in his offensive ventures down the left wing. However, in his debut for Spurs against PSV Eindhoven, Gilberto was at fault for the only goal of the game and was replaced at half time. This was undoubtedly a sign of things to come as the defenders hapless performances were barely worthy of a place in a Sunday league football team. In just over one season at White Hart Lane, his reputation had been completely sullied and he moved back to Brazil a year and a half after signing, having barely played for Spurs, where he remained until he retired in 2012.
