HE really is incredible.
Brazilian star Givanildo Vieira de Sousa, better known as Hulk because of his bodybuilder appearance and being a Lou Ferrigno lookalike, has enjoyed a well-travelled career.
Hulk is attracting interest from the Premier LeagueCredit: Getty – Contributor
The Brazilian international is now married to his ex-wife’s niece
The Brazilian got his nickname because of his resemblance to bodybuilder Lou Ferrigno, who played The Incredible HulkCredit: Getty – Contributor
After beginning his career in his homeland, the well-built forward has played in Japan, Portugal, Russia, and is now making a mint in China.
At Shanghai SIPG he earned a whopping £16.6million-per-year, and was one of the Chinese Super League’s marquee signings in 2016.
But now, with his contract coming to an end, Hulk is ready to come to the Premier League and reportedly has several offers to show off his talents in England.
At 34 he’s never looked better, and after lockdown he showed off a remarkable body transformation with a more defined look.
And back in March, Hulk caused controversy when he ditched his wife and married her stunning niece.
KEEP IT IN THE FAMILY
Last year, the burly striker ended his 12-year relationship with ex-missus Iran Angelo.
Five months later, reports linked Hulk to her beautiful niece Camila Angelo, 31.
That relationship is now said to have started in October of 2019, and in March the former Porto striker wrote on his social media bio he was “married” again.
Hulk divorced his wife of 12 years Iran Angelo, left, and began dating her beautiful niece Camila Angelo months later
The pair have posted several pictures wearing what looks like wedding rings
Angelo and Hulk have never confirmed their nuptials
According to reports, Hulk married Angelo so she could get a visa to stay in China
The couple have posted several pictures together since wearing what appear to be wedding rings, but never confirmed their nuptials.
Argentine newspaper Infobae later revealed “sudden marriage was also due to” the fact Camila “needed a visa to stay in the country (China)”.
THE BIG MAN
When Hulk first emerged on the scene in Europe with Porto, his staggering size always stood out on the football pitch.
He was renowned for being built like an ox, and it was impossible to shrug him off the ball because of his strength.
In China, especially during the lockdown period, he seems to have become supersized.
Fans were left agasp when he returned to training with Shanghai SIPG somehow looking even more muscular.
Hulk shared video and pics of himself staying fit by hitting his home gym.
And the benefits were there for all to see.
Hulk was always renowned for his huge physiqueCredit: Getty – Contributor
The beefy forward was a hulking presence
Today’s Hulk is more defined
Shanghai SIPG’s Hulk shows off his rippling muscles as he works out on the treadmill
HE’S GOT GOALS
The misconception of Hulk is that he’s a novelty footballer, because of his gargantuan size.
However, as they say, never judge a book by its cover.
Capped 47 times by Brazil, he’s scored 11 international goals – playing mostly as a winger.
His career took off in Japan’s second division with Tokyo Verdy in 2007, before he moved to Porto in 2008.
It took him two seasons to find his feet in Portugal, and there was bother along the way.
Following a tunnel brawl during a 1-0 league loss to fierce rivals Benfica, Hulk was suspended for four games.
But in the 2010-11 season he began to push on. 35 goals in 53 games during Porto’s treble year, in which they also lifted the Europa League, elevated him to new heights.
Trouble still followed him wherever he went, in 2014 he was forced to pay £42,000 fine for assaulting two stewards.
Hulk made his name in Europe at PortoCredit: PA:Empics Sport
Hulk went to Russia to play with Zenit Saint Petersburg after PortoCredit: PA:Empics Sport
In 2016 he became one of the world’s highest paid players joining Shanghai SIPGCredit: Rex Features
PREMIER LEAGUE INTEREST
It’s not a surprise that Hulk has been linked to a move to the Premier League, with his status as a free agent approaching soon.
Before he moved to Zenit Saint Petersburg, he revealed Chelsea were interested in adding him to their squad.
“In my first season at Porto, I started well and remember hearing some talk about Manchester United, but I never received anything concrete on that,” he told FourFourTwo.
“At the time, I was too young and left those things for other people to sort out, so I didn’t get to know which offers arrived.
“Only after I signed for Zenit was I told Chelsea had been interested, but I can’t tell you how serious they were.”
HE’LL COST MEGA WAGES
Although clubs will be enticed by the fact there’s no transfer fee for Hulk, he won’t come cheap.
His salary is said to be in the region of £320,000-per-week – making him the second highest paid player in China. The first is former Chelsea star Oscar on an astonishing £400,000-per-week.
Hulk stands outside his private jet, which bears the striker’s signature on the outsideCredit: Instagram @hulkparaiba
Inside the aircraft there are sketches of the Brazilian scoring goals throughout his careerCredit: Instagram @hulkparaiba
At 34 Hulk still has lots to offer amid Premier League interest
And he lives some life off the pitch, as you can imagine.
In 2018, he was pictured on board his own private jet, which featured his signature on the side.
Inside, the cabin was decorated with his own image.
Hulk is also a keen art collector, spending his wages on rare paintings by renowned artists.
The runway is clear for his arrival on our shores.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
