Aliaksandr Hleb Appreciation Thread

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Hleb grew up in Minsk. His mother was a builder, while his father drove petrol tankers. His father had volunteered to help knock down uninhabitable houses in Ukraine as the result of the Chernobyl nuclear disaster. Hleb believes this exposure to radiation caused his father's ill health. Before getting involved with football, Hleb was a keen swimmer and gymnast.

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In 2002–03, Stuttgart finished as runners-up in the Bundesliga and enjoyed a Champions League victory over Manchester United and Hleb had become established as the team's playmaker.

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By January 2006, Hleb had established himself as a first choice player and scored his first goal for Arsenal in a 7–0 win over Middlesbrough. In May, Hleb became the first ever Belarusian footballer to play in the Champions League Final. He ended the season with 40 appearances and three goals.

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Hleb went on to win the 2008–09 Treble with Barcelona in his first season with the club

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Hleb claims the biggest regret of his life was leaving Arsenal for Barcelona in an interview

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