He then had loan spells, at Sociedade Esportiva do Gama and Associação Atlética Internacional (Limeira).

[4] After an injury-ridden stint with Americano FC he joined Clube Náutico Capibaribe,[5] where he won the Campeonato Pernambucano.

They lost touch, but later he was contacted again by Teixeira and agreed to move to Portugal that year[6] after his €90,000 release clause was paid,[7] being first choice from the start but not being able to prevent, however, the Guimarães side from being relegated to the Segunda Liga in his first season.

[8] On 17 July 2012, aged nearly 37, Nilson signed a two-year deal with Iranian club Persepolis FC.

[9] He helped his new team to finish second in 2013–14 and thus qualify for the AFC Champions League, keeping a Pro League-best 18 clean sheets.