|
Agustín Aranzábal
Agustín Aranzábal Alkorta (Spanish pronunciation: [aɣusˈtin aɾanˈθaβal alˈkoɾta]; born 15 March 1973) is a Spanish former professional footballer who played as a left-back. His main asset was his crossing ability, and he played almost exclusively with Real Sociedad, which he represented for more than ten years, appearing in 353 competitive matches.[2] Aranzábal was also a Spanish international, and played for the country in one World Cup and one European Championship. Club careerAranzábal was born in Bergara, Gipuzkoa. A product of Basque Country giants Real Sociedad's youth system, he first appeared with the main squad on 21 February 1993, in a 5–1 away loss against Deportivo de La Coruña. After three full seasons with the reserves, he went on to be an undisputed first-choice for one decade, for instance playing 32 games for the 2002–03 runners-up. In July 2004, still in La Liga, Aranzábal moved to Real Zaragoza, where he was used mainly as a backup to Paraguayan Delio Toledo.[3] He retired after a small stint with amateur side CD Vera in the Canary Islands, with ex-Spain international (also a Real Sociedad teammate) Javier de Pedro also starting the campaign but being promptly dismissed.[4] In early 2010, Kitchee SC from Hong Kong signed Aranzábal alongside compatriot Albert Celades. They both appeared with the club at the 2010 Lunar New Year Cup, a mid-season exhibition tournament.[5] International careerAranzábal earned 28 caps for Spain.[6] His debut was on 7 June 1995 in a UEFA Euro 1996 qualifier against Armenia in Seville,[7] and he was a participant at the 1998 FIFA World Cup and Euro 2000.[8][6] Aranzábal also appeared for the quarter-finalists at the 1996 Summer Olympics.[9][6] Personal lifeAranzábal's father, José Agustín, was also a footballer. A midfielder, he too played for Real Sociedad and Spain.[10] HonoursSpain U21
References
External links
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
