A strong, pacy and reliable defender, Claudio Caçapa is not only one of the finest centre-backs in France, he is also a crucial figure in the Lyon dressing room.

A bubbly and likeable character, the Brazilian is an approachable person and, as one of the few experienced players in the Lyon squad, represents an obvious choice for the captaincy. On making his return to the first-team squad for the Week 31 clash against Lens in 2004/05, Caçapa, who had been out for several months with a knee injury, noted his teammates’ reaction with some pride.

“The players were all smiling when they saw my name on the list,” Caçapa recalled. “They seem to be pleased that I am back and that gives me a lot of pleasure.”

Two players will be have been more relieved than most by the return of captain Claudio. Michael Essien has been filling in at centre-back in Caçapa’s absence and though he the Ghanaian midfielder has done an outstanding job, he prefers playing in the middle of the park. Cris, Lyon’s other Brazilian centre-back, is also thrilled to have his friend back alongside him. “We have become close since I arrived,” Cris said. “As a defensive partnership it is easier with Claudio because we have no communication problems.”

Caçapa and Cris warmed up for the Champions’ League quarter-final against PSV Eindhoven in 2005 by spending the day in the country flying kites. It may not have been what Coach Paul Le Guen had in mind when he told them to prepare for the Dutch team’s aerial threat, but Caçapa knows how important it is find a blend between working and relaxing. “Cris and I had a lot of fun but, don’t worry, we are totally focused on PSV Eindhoven,” he smiled.

The former Atletico Mineiro star arrived at the Stade Gerland on loan in January 2001 and was snapped up on a permanent contract for £4m four months later. He went on to make his Brazil debut in the Confederations Cup that summer and, though he has not established himself with his country, has become a crucial figure at Lyon.

He has had experienced problems with injury between 2003 and 2005, however. A knee problem restricted him to just 15 appearances in 2003/04 and, though he had surgery, the problem the following season.