Javier Arizmendi (Getafe)

Javier Arizmendi

Javier Arizmendi

Javier Arizmendi

Javier Arizmendi

Javier Arizmendi

Ángel Javier Arizmendi de Lucas (born 3 March 1984) is a Spanish professional footballer who plays for Getafe CF, either as a forward or winger.

Club career

Born in the capital, Madrid, and a product of Atlético Madrid's youth system, Arizmendi made his top level debut for the side on 15 February 2004, in a 3–1 loss at FC Barcelona. The following season, he played a season on loan with Racing de Santander.

As opportunities were scarce at Atlético, Arizmendi was signed by Deportivo de La Coruña for €2 million, on 3 January 2006. The Colchoneros bought him back according to a clause in the contract,[1] but, on 21 June 2007, he was signed by Valencia CF, on a six-year deal.

During 2007–08, Arizmendi's physical style of play was occasionally put to use at right-back, due to injuries to habitual Miguel and Marco Caneira. On 23 March 2008, he scored his first Valencia goal in a 3–2 win at Real Madrid, while also helping the Che to the season's domestic cup.

On 12 August 2008, Arizmendi was signed by Real Zaragoza for €4 million, on a six-year contract. In his debut year, he was instrumental as the Aragonese returned to the first division after just one year out, netting nine times in the league alone.

On June 30, 2010, after greatly helping Zaragoza retain its division status – 31 games, five goals, 2064 minutes – Arizmendi signed for six years with Getafe CF, qualified for the UEFA Europa League.

International career

In 2003, without having played any football at the highest level, Arizmendi was called-up to the Under-20 side that competed at the 2003 FIFA World Youth Championship in the United Arab Emirates, where he scored an extra time winner against Canada in the quarterfinals, after coming on as a substitute.[3] Spain finished runner-up.

He made his international debut for the senior side in a friendly against England, on 7 February 2007, playing the final 30 minutes in a 1–0 triumph at Old Trafford.

Controversy

During the 2005 Mediterranean Games, Arizmendi controversially celebrated the nation's gold medal carrying a Spanish flag which hailed from the days of Francisco Franco's fascist dictatorship. The player argued it was thrown from the stands at Estadio de los Juegos Mediterráneos, and that he did not notice the emblem on it.