Gonzalo Javier Rodríguez

For other people named Gonzalo Rodríguez, see Gonzalo Rodríguez (disambiguation).

Gonzalo Rodríguez

Personal information
Full name	Gonzalo Javier Rodríguez
Date of birth	10 April 1984 (1984-04-10)
Place of birth	Buenos Aires, Argentina
Height	1.83 m (6 ft 0 in)
Playing position	Centre back
Club information
Current club	Villarreal
Number	2
Senior career*
Years	Team	Apps†	(Gls)†
2002–2004	San Lorenzo	57	(4)
2004–	Villarreal	172	(6)
National team
2003–	Argentina	6	(1)
* Senior club appearances and goals counted for the domestic league only and correct as of 19 February 2012. † Appearances (Goals).

Gonzalo Javier Rodríguez, sometimes just Gonzalo (Spanish pronunciation: [ɡonˈθalo roˈðɾiɣeθ]; born 10 April 1984), is an Argentine footballer who plays for Villarreal CF in La Liga, as a central defender.

Club career

Born in Buenos Aires, Gonzalo started his professional career at Argentina's first division Club Atlético San Lorenzo de Almagro in 2002. At age 20, he had already represented Argentina, previously having appeared at the 2003 FIFA World Youth Championship with the under-20s.

In July 2004, Rodríguez joined Spain's Villarreal CF, being an undisputed starter in his first two seasons, and renewing his link for a further five years. However, after the surprise UEFA Intertoto Cup elimination at the hands of NK Maribor, in which he was sent off, and a mere month into the league season, he suffered a serious injury, tearing the cruciate ligament in his right knee. After returning to activity in April 2007, he suffered the same injury two months later.

In 2008–09, Rodríguez returned to good form, often partnering with Uruguayan Diego Godín, and appearing in 48 La Liga games in two seasons combined, with Villarreal always qualifying to the UEFA Europa League, finishing fifth and seventh respectively. On 7 April 2011, in the Europa League's quarterfinals against FC Twente, he broke his fibula after a tough challenge by Marc Janko, being rushed to hospital in an ambulance and lost for the remainder of the season.

External links

• Villarreal official profile
• Argentine League statistics (Spanish)
• BDFutbol profile
• Gonzalo Rodríguez at National-Football-Teams.com
• Gonzalo Rodríguez – FIFA competition record
• Transfermarkt profile
• Guardian Stats Centre