Mirandinha considers his spell in the black-and-white of Newcastle United as the 'peak' of his career.
Mirandinha became the first Brazilian to play in England after a £575,000 deal was struck with Palmeiras in 1987.
The striker enjoyed a two-year spell on Tyneside before relegation and a fallout with manager Jim Smith led to his return to Palmeiras.
Mirandinha holds fond memories of his time in the North East which saw the cult hero earn his own chant from the terraces of St James' Park.
However, his favourite moment from his stint at United came not on the pitch, but in turning on the city's Christmas lights.
Mirandinha told FourFourTwo: “When I played for Newcastle, the most remarkable moment wasn’t a match; it was being invited to open the city’s Christmas festivities – I left the Town Hall on a Santa sled!
“That was such a touching moment. I’d never experienced something as grandiose as that before, and only Newcastle legends like Kevin Keegan were asked to do it.
“To share that day with my wife and kids was truly incredible. I say that not as an ex-player, but as a human being.”
The two-year spell with United was one Mirandinha rates higher than his four appearances from Brazil, and this is in part down to the glowing reception he continues to receive from fans.
He added: "My time at Newcastle was the peak of my career.
“I had the opportunity to live in a great country. I’m grateful for the way the people welcomed me and my family, and for the heartwarming way they still receive us whenever we go back to visit the city.”
