Yes, he did. He played for Belenenses' youth team, then he played professionally for Rio Ave and Belenenses (1st division). During college he played for smaller clubs, Sesimbra (2nd division) and Comércio e Indústria (3rd division), and when he finished his degree he stopped playing (he was 24 I think). I think he was a centre back, and not a very good one. Even he admits it. It was a good thing for football that he decided to become a manager instead!
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