Alberto Botia

Alberto Tomas Botia Rabasco (Spanish pronunciation: [alˈβeɾto βoˈti.a raˈβasko]; born 27 January 1989) is a Spanish professional footballer who plays as a central defender for Saudi Arabian club Al Wehda FC.

He made 140 La Liga appearances, mostly for Sporting de Gijon but also Sevilla, Elche and one for Barcelona, where he started his career. Additionally, he spent four years with Olympiacos, winning the Super League Greece three times.

Club Career

Barcelona

Botia was born in Alquerias, Region of Murcia. Aged just eight years old he began playing for CD Beniel, soon joining neighbours Real Murcia and remaining there for three years. In 2003 he moved to FC Barcelona, being inserted into its B team after a further three seasons.

In late May 2009 Botia, alongside fellow youth graduate Marc Muniesa, was first called to the main squad for a UEFA Champions League match against Manchester United. He made his official debut on the 30th, coming on as a second-half substitute for Gerard Pique in the final game of the campaign, a 1–1 away draw against Deportivo de La Coruna.

Sporting Gijon

On 14 July 2009, Botia was sent to fellow La Liga club Sporting de Gijon on a season-long loan. A regular starter throughout his first year in the top tier, he decided to extend his stay with the Asturians in a four-year deal, with Barcelona keeping a buy-back clause for the first three.

Botia scored his first top-flight goal on 12 September 2010, opening a 2–0 home win over RCD Mallorca. On 14 November, he was sent off in the last minute of a 1–0 loss to Real Madrid also at El Molinon for a foul on Cristiano Ronaldo.

Sevilla

On 8 August 2012, following Sporting's relegation, Botia signed with Sevilla FC for a fee believed to be in the region of €3 million.

This page also has a version in other languages :  Альберто Ботия (russian)