Anderson scored one of the best penalties you'll ever see with his first touch in the 2008 Champions League final between Manchester United and Chelsea.
Fans have been reminiscing about Anderson and his composure in the biggest game of his life. The former Brazil international spent eight years at Old Trafford, and this was arguably his crowning moment.
He smashed home their penultimate penalty on a rainy Wednesday evening with the entire world watching. One touch,
Anderson replaced Wes Brown in the final minute of extra-time and knew the responsibility that awaited.
Just 20-years-old at the time, Anderson planted the ball on the spot and stared down Petr Cech.
How did he fare? Brilliantly. The former Porto man leathered the ball almost through Cech before an emotional shout to the United fans.
Salomon Kalou and Ryan Giggs converted their kicks, only for Nicolas Anelka to see his saved by Edwin van der Sar.
Bringing on Anderson was a no-brainer for Sir Alex Ferguson, who said of Brazilian players in his 2013 autobiography: "I have always respected Brazilian footballers. Name a Brazilian who doesn't excel in big games?
"They were born for the big occasion. They have a special quality: Deep pride in themselves. Great belief."
Anderson told Radio Grenal back in 2017 that he was petrified about taking the penalty despite his composure.
"I came on to take the penalty. I hadn't touched the ball," he explained per Goal.
"I was sitting on the bench, Giggs looked and said: 'Get Anderson to take one'. I said 'Oh my'. I took the ball, it was the longest walk of my life.
"I came with the ball, there is no way I wouldn't be shaking. I was already shaking. I was terrified. The story of a club and our fans were on that side.
"I went to the ball, I got the ball, I looked at that goalkeeper, who is a giant. Cech opened his arms, I said "oh, I'm f*****", I'll kick it hard, close my eyes and pray for the ball to go in".
Topics: Chelsea, Football, Manchester United, Champions League
