Manchester United fans might have noticed a scar on Alex Telles' head when the camera zooms in on him during their FA Cup game with West Ham on Tuesday, and he's explained how he got it.
The Brazilian left-back, signed for £15.4 million back in October, on the summer deadline day, has a large, curved scar in his hair that comes from the top of his head down to his ears on either side.
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Telles' hairstyle means the scars isn't too easy to notice at first glance but he's not covering them. In fact, he's rather proud.
"They symbolise my story and my career," Telles said last year.
The history of the scars date back to 2013 when a 19-year-old Telles was maxing waves for Gremio in his native Brazil.
Playing in a big game against Internacional in February 2013, Telles challenged opposition defender Gabriel in the air and clash of heads ensued.
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Telles came out on the worse side of the collision. He broke his nose, cheekbone and eye socket in one go. As a result, he would be forced to undergo surgery that saw metal plates and screws inserted into his face.
"It was a very complicated episode," Gremio fitness Mario Pereira recalled in an interview with i.
"At first it just looked like another clash of heads, but with the scans, the gravity of the injury was seen.
"He was worried and upset. He spent three months out. But he is a player with great mental strength, and he had the support of his family and the club; it helped him come back stronger."
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Telles turned out for the likes of Galatasaray, Inter Milan and Porto before sealing the big move to Old Trafford.
Telles hasn't played too often so far this season for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side but made his debut in impression fashion, playing as a left wing-back in the 2-1 Champions League win away at Paris Saint-Germain.
United fans loved his attacking intent and crossing ability but his progress was paused by getting Covid earlier this season.
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Whilst he was out Luke Shaw's form continued to get better and the former Southampton left back has been one of the best performers as United have risen to second in the table.
The competition from Telles has no doubt helped the Englishman and fans will be hoping they can both push each other on.
Featured Image Credit: PA/GettyTopics: Football News, Alex Telles, Brazilian football, Manchester United, Premier League, FA Cup, West Ham United, West Ham, Brazil
