Cristian Rodriguez

Cristian Gabriel Rodriguez Barotti (Spanish pronunciation: [ˈkɾistjan roˈðɾiɣes]; born 30 September 1985) is a Uruguayan footballer who plays as a left winger for Club Plaza Colonia de Deportes.

Having received the nickname Cebolla (onion) from his Penarol days, from his father, he is well known for his speed and technical ability. He spent several seasons in Portugal with Benfica and Porto, and also competed professionally in France, Spain, Italy, Brazil and Argentina.

Rodriguez earned 110 caps for Uruguay, representing the country in two World Cups and four Copa America tournaments and winning the 2011 edition of the latter.

Club Career

Penarol and PSG

Born in Juan Lacaze, Rodriguez started playing professionally, still a youngster, for local Penarol in the Uruguayan Primera Division, where he helped the side to the 2003 title. After an injury ruled him out for some games in late 2004, he was spotted by television cameras jumping in the stands alongside the supporters, but he eventually escaped a fine or suspension.

In 2005, Rodriguez was transferred to French club Paris Saint-Germain F.C. on a free transfer, along with Carlos Bueno. After appearing scarcely in his first season in Ligue 1, he was important in helping the capital team barely avoid relegation, scoring his only goal in a 4–2 home win against AS Monaco FC.

Porto

In late August 2007, Rodriguez moved to Portugal's S.L. Benfica in a season-long loan, together with compatriot Maxi Pereira who arrived from Defensor Sporting. After being one of their most important players through 2007–08, he was bought by fellow Primeira Liga club FC Porto in June 2008 (but part of the transfer fee was paid to Play International B.V.). During the two teams' match in Lisbon, on 30 August 2008, he was subjected to vitriolic abuse from the stands in a 1–1 final draw.

This page also has a version in other languages :  Кристиан Родригес (russian)