Gorka Iraizoz

Gorka Iraizoz Moreno (born 6 March 1981) is a Spanish former footballer who played as a goalkeeper.

He spent most of his professional career with Athletic Bilbao, appearing in 392 official games. In La Liga he also represented Espanyol and Girona, winning the 2006 Copa del Rey with the first club.

Club Career

Early years and Espanyol

Iraizoz was born in Pamplona, Navarre and raised in nearby Ansoain. After beginning his football career with local club UDC Chantrea, he moved to the Basque Country with Athletic Bilbao, serving stints with affiliates CD Basconia and Bilbao Athletic.

Arriving at RCD Espanyol in July 2002, Iraizoz spent two seasons with its B side, also having a loan spell at SD Eibar in the second division. He made his La Liga debut on 21 December 2005, in a 2–1 away win against Deportivo de La Coruna. He was second choice behind Carlos Kameni for the 2006–07 season, but was the regular in the team's run to the final of the UEFA Cup, notably excelling in the quarter-final second leg away to S.L. Benfica (0–0 draw, 3–2 on aggregate).

During his time in Barcelona, Iraizoz learned to speak fluent Catalan.

Athletic Bilbao

On 7 August 2007, Iraizoz signed for Athletic Bilbao for €4.6 million, returning to the club he spent one-and-a-half seasons with, this time as the undisputed starter. However, due to a severe injury, he was left out of the squad for the second part of the campaign, and his place (and shirt number) was taken by 37-year-old Armando, signed from Cadiz CF until June 2008.

Iraizoz rarely missed a league game in the following years. On 16 January 2010, his Player of the match performance helped the team hold on to its early home lead against Real Madrid, constantly denying Kaka and Cristiano Ronaldo's efforts.

This page also has a version in other languages :  Горка Ираисос (russian)