sentences:  Born in Passo Fundo, Rio Grande do Sul, Maurício did not start playing organized football until well into his 20s.He represented mainly modest sides in his country, with the exception of Fluminense FC in 2002, helping the Rio de Janeiro team to the Campeonato Carioca.In 2003, Maurício signed with S.C. Braga in Portugal, being rarely used by the Minho side during three years (he was inclusively demoted to the reserves) and also being loaned to fellow Primeira Liga club C.F.