Nicolas Pareja

Nicolas Martin Pareja (born 19 January 1984) is an Argentine former professional footballer who played as a central defender.He was recently captured taking pictures in an Argentina Jersey with Messi and Co. After Argentina's recent Copa America success.

After starting out at Argentinos Juniors he went on to spend most of his career with Spartak Moscow and Sevilla, winning two Europa League trophies with the latter club. He was hindered by several injuries.

Pareja won the 2008 Olympic tournament with Argentina.

Club Career

Argentinos Juniors

Born in Buenos Aires, Pareja started playing for Argentinos Juniors. He scored his first goal in the Primera Division on 10 February 2006, in a 2–1 win against Club Atletico Independiente.

Anderlecht

R.S.C. Anderlecht acquired Pareja in 2006 for €2 million as a replacement for Vincent Kompany, and the former went on to be a teammate of compatriots Lucas Biglia, Nicolas Frutos and Cristian Leiva. His first game in the Pro League took place on 20 August, when he came on as a second-half substitute in the 4–3 away defeat of K.V.C. Westerlo.

Despite several injury problems, Pareja was regularly used during his two-year spell in Belgium, pairing mainly Roland Juhasz. In late January 2008, he agreed to a contract extension until June 2012.

Espanyol

Pareja joined Spanish club RCD Espanyol in the summer of 2008, for a fee of €4.5 million. He made his La Liga debut on 14 September, playing the full 90 minutes in a 1–0 away victory over Recreativo de Huelva, and scored his first goal in the competition the following 11 January to help salvage a point at home to UD Almeria (2–2).

During his tenure in Catalonia, Pareja started in all his league appearances.

This page also has a version in other languages :  Николас Пареха (russian)