Samu Castillejo

Samuel "Samu" Castillejo Azuaga (born 18 January 1995) is a Spanish professional footballer who plays as a winger for Serie A club AC Milan.

Club Career

Malaga

Castillejo was born in Barcelona, Catalonia where his father, a Guardia Civil officer, was stationed at the time; the family resettled in Malaga, Andalusia within a few months. He graduated from Malaga CF's youth system, made his senior debut with the reserves in 2011 aged only 16, and went on to play three full seasons in Tercera Division. He was given the nickname El Fideo ("the noodle" in Spanish), due to his "wiry frame and ability to squirm away in tight spaces".

In June 2014, Castillejo was called up by first-team manager Javi Gracia for the pre-season. He was named player of the match in a 3–1 friendly win against Newcastle United where he scored twice. He was promoted to the main squad the following month.

Castillejo made his debut with the first team on 29 August 2014, coming on as a substitute for fellow youth graduate Juanmi in the 57th minute of a 0–3 La Liga away loss to Valencia CF. He scored his first professional goal on 2 February, the winner in a home victory over the same opposition.

Villarreal

Castillejo joined Villarreal CF on 18 June 2015 alongside his Malaga teammate Samu Garcia, signing a five-year deal. He scored six times in his third season, helping to qualification for the UEFA Europa League after a fifth-place finish.

AC Milan

Castillejo signed with AC Milan on 17 August 2018, with Carlos Bacca moving in the opposite direction. He made his Serie A debut on 31 August, starting in the 2–1 win against A.S. Roma at San Siro. He scored his first goal for the club on 30 September, in a 4–1 away defeat of U.S. Sassuolo.

This page also has a version in other languages :  Саму Кастильехо (russian)