Sergio García de la Fuente
Encyclopedia
Sergio García de la Fuente (born 9 June 1983) is a Spanish
footballer who plays for RCD Espanyol
in La Liga
.
Mainly a forward, he can also appear as a winger (preferably on the right).
, Catalonia
, García rose through the ranks of FC Barcelona
, finding however opportunities almost non-existent in the senior squad. He made four first-team appearances during 2003–04, his debut coming on September 3, 2003, in a 1–1 home draw against Sevilla FC
.
Moving to Levante UD
in 2004, mere months after extending his Barça link, García proved himself a first division
player, a trait he continued to display in the higher-ranked Real Zaragoza
, whether as a starter or the first option from the bench. In 2007–08, he played all 38 matches, while the Aragon
ese were eventually relegated.
At the beginning of the 2008–09 season, García was linked with a number of English Premier League clubs including Liverpool
, Tottenham Hotspur
, West Ham United
and Stoke City
, along with fellow team-mate Diego Milito
. Rumours that he would leave Zaragoza had been further fuelled after the club's relegation, as he was thrown out of a side pre-season training session by manager Marcelino García Toral and was then left out of their opening day defeat against Levante.
On 1 September 2008, in the dying seconds of the transfer window, after continuous rumours, García signed for Real Betis
, for a fee close to €
10 million.
He scored his first goal for his new club on 27 September 2008, in the team's home game against Real Madrid
(1–2 loss), following up on his own saved penalty
. On November 16, he netted a brace in Betis' 3–1 home victory over Racing de Santander
and, on 18 January 2009, added another, in the 3–1 success at Real Valladolid
, in which he also assisted the other goal.
On 8 February, García helped Betis achieve a landmark victory at neighbouring Sevilla FC
, scoring in a 2–1 victory. In form, he was struck with a knee injury after celebrating his opener against CD Numancia
, a 3–3 home draw in April 2009, eventually missing a month of competition, with Betis struggling during this time, and eventually dropping down a level at the end.
García scored a career-high 12 goals in 2009–10
, but the Andalusia
ns failed to promote. In August 2010, he signed a five-year contract with RCD Espanyol
, moving to the Catalan side as a replacement to veteran Raúl Tamudo
, who left the club after nearly 20 years of service.
, García made the Spanish
final squad of 23 for UEFA Euro 2008 (which Spain went on to win) as a replacement for Barcelona's Bojan Krkić
. On 31 May 2008, he made his debut for the national side, coming on as a substitute for David Silva
, in a friendly match against Peru
.
On 18 June, García earned his first competitive cap, playing for the full 90 minutes against Greece
, in Spain's third and final group D game in Euro 2008. In the 88th minute he delivered a pinpoint left-footed cross for Daniel Güiza
to head home the 2–1 winner.
García also represented Spain at all youth levels
, as well as appearing frequently for the unofficial Catalan national side
; on 22 December 2009, he scored twice in a 4–2 victory for the side against Argentina
.
Spain U19
Spain U20
Spain
Spain , officially the Kingdom of Spain languages]] under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages. In each of these, Spain's official name is as follows:;;;;;;), is a country and member state of the European Union located in southwestern Europe on the Iberian Peninsula...
footballer who plays for RCD Espanyol
RCD Espanyol
Reial Club Deportiu Espanyol de Barcelona is a sports club based in Barcelona, Spain. It is best known for its football team. Espanyol currently play in the Estadi Cornellà-El Prat with seats for 40,500 spectators. It was inaugurated on 2 August 2009...
in La Liga
La Liga
The Primera División of the Liga Nacional de Fútbol Profesional , commonly known as La Liga or, for sponsorship reasons, Liga BBVA since 2008, is the top professional association football division of the Spanish football league system...
.
Mainly a forward, he can also appear as a winger (preferably on the right).
Club career
Born in BarcelonaBarcelona
Barcelona is the second largest city in Spain after Madrid, and the capital of Catalonia, with a population of 1,621,537 within its administrative limits on a land area of...
, Catalonia
Catalonia
Catalonia is an autonomous community in northeastern Spain, with the official status of a "nationality" of Spain. Catalonia comprises four provinces: Barcelona, Girona, Lleida, and Tarragona. Its capital and largest city is Barcelona. Catalonia covers an area of 32,114 km² and has an...
, García rose through the ranks of FC Barcelona
FC Barcelona
Futbol Club Barcelona , also known as Barcelona and familiarly as Barça, is a professional football club, based in Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain....
, finding however opportunities almost non-existent in the senior squad. He made four first-team appearances during 2003–04, his debut coming on September 3, 2003, in a 1–1 home draw against Sevilla FC
Sevilla FC
Sevilla Fútbol Club S.A.D. is a Spanish professional football club based in Seville, Spain that plays in the Spanish La Liga championship.They are one of the most successful clubs in Spanish football having won a 1 La Liga title, 5 Spanish "Copa del Rey" Cups, 1 Spanish Super Cup and 2 UEFA...
.
Moving to Levante UD
Levante UD
Levante Unión Deportiva, S.A.D. is a Spanish football club based in Valencia, in the namesake community.Founded in 1909, it plays in La Liga, holding home games at Estadi Ciutat de València.-Early years:...
in 2004, mere months after extending his Barça link, García proved himself a first division
La Liga
The Primera División of the Liga Nacional de Fútbol Profesional , commonly known as La Liga or, for sponsorship reasons, Liga BBVA since 2008, is the top professional association football division of the Spanish football league system...
player, a trait he continued to display in the higher-ranked Real Zaragoza
Real Zaragoza
Real Zaragoza, S.A.D. is a Spanish association football team from Zaragoza in Spain. Founded on 18 March 1932, Real Zaragoza have spent the majority of their 78 year history in the Spanish top-flight. Real Zaragoza are Spain's 9th highest ranked team in overall league points...
, whether as a starter or the first option from the bench. In 2007–08, he played all 38 matches, while the Aragon
Aragon
Aragon is a modern autonomous community in Spain, coextensive with the medieval Kingdom of Aragon. Located in northeastern Spain, the Aragonese autonomous community comprises three provinces : Huesca, Zaragoza, and Teruel. Its capital is Zaragoza...
ese were eventually relegated.
At the beginning of the 2008–09 season, García was linked with a number of English Premier League clubs including Liverpool
Liverpool F.C.
Liverpool Football Club is an English Premier League football club based in Liverpool, Merseyside. Liverpool has won eighteen League titles, second most in English football, seven FA Cups and a record seven League Cups...
, Tottenham Hotspur
Tottenham Hotspur F.C.
Tottenham Hotspur Football Club , commonly referred to as Spurs, is an English Premier League football club based in Tottenham, north London. The club's home stadium is White Hart Lane....
, West Ham United
West Ham United F.C.
West Ham United Football Club is an English professional football club based in Upton Park, Newham, East London. They play in The Football League Championship. The club was founded in 1895 as Thames Ironworks FC and reformed in 1900 as West Ham United. In 1904 the club relocated to their current...
and Stoke City
Stoke City F.C.
Stoke City Football Club is an English professional football club based in Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire that plays in the Premier League. Founded in 1863, it is the oldest club in the Premier League, and considered to be the second oldest professional football club in the world, after Notts...
, along with fellow team-mate Diego Milito
Diego Milito
Diego Alberto Milito is an Argentine footballer who plays as a striker for the Italian Serie A team Internazionale. He also plays for the Argentine national team. A prolific and consistent center-forward, Milito has statistically averaged just over a goal every two appearances, over the course of...
. Rumours that he would leave Zaragoza had been further fuelled after the club's relegation, as he was thrown out of a side pre-season training session by manager Marcelino García Toral and was then left out of their opening day defeat against Levante.
On 1 September 2008, in the dying seconds of the transfer window, after continuous rumours, García signed for Real Betis
Real Betis
Real Betis Balompié S.A.D. is a Spanish football club based in Seville, in the autonomous community of Andalusia. Founded on 12 September 1907, it currently plays in La Liga, holding home games at Estadio Benito Villamarín....
, for a fee close to €
Euro
The euro is the official currency of the eurozone: 17 of the 27 member states of the European Union. It is also the currency used by the Institutions of the European Union. The eurozone consists of Austria, Belgium, Cyprus, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg,...
10 million.
He scored his first goal for his new club on 27 September 2008, in the team's home game against Real Madrid
Real Madrid
Real Madrid Club de Fútbol , commonly known as Real Madrid, is a professional football club based in Madrid, Spain. The club have won a record 31 La Liga titles, the Primera División of the Liga de Fútbol Profesional , 18 Copas del Rey, 8 Spanish Super Cups, 1 Copa Eva Duarte and 1 Copa de la...
(1–2 loss), following up on his own saved penalty
Penalty kick
A penalty kick is a type of direct free kick in association football, taken from twelve yards out from goal and with only the goalkeeper of the defending team between the penalty taker and the goal.Penalty kicks are performed during normal play...
. On November 16, he netted a brace in Betis' 3–1 home victory over Racing de Santander
Racing de Santander
Real Racing Club de Santander, S.A.D. is a Spanish football club based in Santander, in the autonomous community of Cantabria. Founded in 1913, it currently plays in La Liga, holding home games at Estadio El Sardinero, with a capacity for 22,400 spectators....
and, on 18 January 2009, added another, in the 3–1 success at Real Valladolid
Real Valladolid
Real Valladolid Club de Fútbol, S.A.D. is a Spanish football club based in Valladolid, in the autonomous community of Castile and León, from where the nickname Pucela is derived....
, in which he also assisted the other goal.
On 8 February, García helped Betis achieve a landmark victory at neighbouring Sevilla FC
Sevilla FC
Sevilla Fútbol Club S.A.D. is a Spanish professional football club based in Seville, Spain that plays in the Spanish La Liga championship.They are one of the most successful clubs in Spanish football having won a 1 La Liga title, 5 Spanish "Copa del Rey" Cups, 1 Spanish Super Cup and 2 UEFA...
, scoring in a 2–1 victory. In form, he was struck with a knee injury after celebrating his opener against CD Numancia
CD Numancia
Club Deportivo Numancia de Soria, S.A.D. is a Spanish football club based in Soria, in the autonomous community of Castile and León. Founded on 9 April 1945, it plays in Segunda División, holding home games at Nuevo Estadio Los Pajaritos, with a 10,200-seat capacity.Besides football it has other...
, a 3–3 home draw in April 2009, eventually missing a month of competition, with Betis struggling during this time, and eventually dropping down a level at the end.
García scored a career-high 12 goals in 2009–10
2009–10 Segunda División
The 2009–10 Segunda División was made up of the following teams:-League table:||rowspan=15 style="background-color:#F9F9F9;"|-2009–10 Results:To read this table, the home team is listed in the left-hand column....
, but the Andalusia
Andalusia
Andalusia is the most populous and the second largest in area of the autonomous communities of Spain. The Andalusian autonomous community is officially recognised as a nationality of Spain. The territory is divided into eight provinces: Huelva, Seville, Cádiz, Córdoba, Málaga, Jaén, Granada and...
ns failed to promote. In August 2010, he signed a five-year contract with RCD Espanyol
RCD Espanyol
Reial Club Deportiu Espanyol de Barcelona is a sports club based in Barcelona, Spain. It is best known for its football team. Espanyol currently play in the Estadi Cornellà-El Prat with seats for 40,500 spectators. It was inaugurated on 2 August 2009...
, moving to the Catalan side as a replacement to veteran Raúl Tamudo
Raúl Tamudo
Raúl Tamudo Montero is a Spanish footballer who currently plays for Rayo Vallecano as a striker....
, who left the club after nearly 20 years of service.
International career
Without having being previously cappedCap (sport)
In sports, a cap is a metaphorical term for a player's appearance on a select team, such as a national team. The term dates from the practice in the United Kingdom of awarding a cap to every player in an international match of association football...
, García made the Spanish
Spain national football team
The Spain national football team represents Spain in international association football and is controlled by the Royal Spanish Football Federation, the governing body for football in Spain. The current head coach is Vicente del Bosque...
final squad of 23 for UEFA Euro 2008 (which Spain went on to win) as a replacement for Barcelona's Bojan Krkić
Bojan Krkic
Bojan Krkić Pérez known as just Bojan, is a Spanish footballer who currently plays as a forward or winger for Italian Serie A club Roma.- Early years :...
. On 31 May 2008, he made his debut for the national side, coming on as a substitute for David Silva
David Silva
David Josué Jiménez Silva is a Spanish footballer who plays for Manchester City and the Spanish national team. Silva is capable of playing on the wing, as a traditional number 10 and sometimes as a supporting striker...
, in a friendly match against Peru
Peru national football team
The Peru national football team, known as 'el equipo inca', represents Peru in international football competition and is managed by the Peruvian Football Federation . The team competes against the other nine members of FIFA's CONMEBOL conference, which encompasses the countries of South America...
.
On 18 June, García earned his first competitive cap, playing for the full 90 minutes against Greece
Greece national football team
The Greece national football team represents Greece in association football and is controlled by the Hellenic Football Federation, the governing body for football in Greece. Greece's home ground is Karaiskakis Stadium in Piraeus and their head coach is Fernando Santos...
, in Spain's third and final group D game in Euro 2008. In the 88th minute he delivered a pinpoint left-footed cross for Daniel Güiza
Daniel Güiza
Daniel González Güiza is a Spanish footballer who plays for Getafe CF in La Liga, as a striker.A late bloomer, he made a name for himself at the age of 27, being crowned La Liga topscorer with Mallorca...
to head home the 2–1 winner.
García also represented Spain at all youth levels
Spain national football team
The Spain national football team represents Spain in international association football and is controlled by the Royal Spanish Football Federation, the governing body for football in Spain. The current head coach is Vicente del Bosque...
, as well as appearing frequently for the unofficial Catalan national side
Catalonia national football team
Catalonia national football team is the official football team of Catalonia. It is organized by the Catalonia Football Federation. The team has been referred to by various names including Selecció Catalana, Selecció de Barcelona and the Catalan XI...
; on 22 December 2009, he scored twice in a 4–2 victory for the side against Argentina
Argentina national football team
The Argentina national football team represents Argentina in association football and is controlled by the Argentine Football Association , the governing body for football in Argentina. Argentina's home stadium is Estadio Monumental Antonio Vespucio Liberti and their head coach is Alejandro...
.
Honours
Spain- UEFA European Football ChampionshipUEFA European Football ChampionshipThe UEFA European Football Championship is the main football competition of the men's national football teams governed by UEFA . Held every four years since 1960, in the even-numbered year between World Cup tournaments, it was originally called the UEFA European Nations Cup, changing to the current...
: 2008
Spain U19
- UEFA European Under-19 Football ChampionshipUEFA European Under-19 Football ChampionshipThe European Under 19 Football Championship is an annual football competition organised by the sport's European governing body, UEFA. The competition has been held since 1948. It was originally called the FIFA junior tournament, until it was taken over by UEFA in 1955...
: 20022002 UEFA European Under-19 Football ChampionshipThe 2002 UEFA Under-19 Championship was held in Norway between 21 July and 28 July 2002. The top three finishers in each group qualified for the 2003 FIFA World Youth Championship. Players born on or after 1 January 1983 were eligible to participate in this competition.It was the first tournament...
Spain U20
- FIFA World Youth Championship: Runner-up 20032003 FIFA World Youth ChampionshipThe 2003 FIFA World Youth Championship took place in United Arab Emirates between November 27 and December 19, 2003. The 2003 championship was the 14th contested...