Pablo Aimar: Difference between revisions
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'''Pablo César Aimar Giordano''' (born 3 November 1979) is an Argentine professional [[Association football|footballer]] who is a [[free agent]]. A technically gifted and creative [[Midfielder#Attacking midfielder|attacking midfielder]] with a vast array of skills,<ref>[http://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/news/newsid=237307.html Aimar's divine improvisation]; UEFA.com, 23 September 2004</ref> Aimar excels as an advanced [[playmaker]], where he is best able to utilise his dribbling, vision, and passing ability to create chances for team-mates. Due to his talent and flamboyance, he was given the nicknames ''El Payaso'' (the clown) and "El Mago" (the wizard) throughout his career.<ref>{{cite web|title=Da “Nuovi Maradona” a “Nuovi Borghi”: Pablo Aimar|url=http://www.ilpallonaro.com/da-nuovi-maradona-a-nuovi-borghi-pablo-aimar/|accessdate=7 February 2015}}</ref> Aimar also holds a [[Spanish nationality law|Spanish passport]].<ref>[http://www.elperiodicodearagon.com/noticias/noticia.asp?pkid=329200 Aimar jura la Constitución y será jugador comunitario (Aimar swears the constitution and will play as a non-foreign)]; El Periódico de Aragón, 14 June 2007 (Spanish)</ref> As a youth, compatriot [[Lionel Messi]] stated in 2002 that Aimar was one of his biggest influences as a player.<ref>{{cite web|title=Aimar, Messi's childhood idol|url=http://www.fcbarcelona.com/football/first-team/detail/article/aimar-messi-s-childhood-idol|accessdate=7 February 2015}}</ref> |
'''Pablo César Aimar Giordano''' ({{IPA-es|ˈpaβlo aiˈmar}}; born 3 November 1979) is an Argentine professional [[Association football|footballer]] who is a [[free agent]]. A technically gifted and creative [[Midfielder#Attacking midfielder|attacking midfielder]] with a vast array of skills,<ref>[http://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/news/newsid=237307.html Aimar's divine improvisation]; UEFA.com, 23 September 2004</ref> Aimar excels as an advanced [[playmaker]], where he is best able to utilise his dribbling, vision, and passing ability to create chances for team-mates. Due to his talent and flamboyance, he was given the nicknames ''El Payaso'' (the clown) and "El Mago" (the wizard) throughout his career.<ref>{{cite web|title=Da “Nuovi Maradona” a “Nuovi Borghi”: Pablo Aimar|url=http://www.ilpallonaro.com/da-nuovi-maradona-a-nuovi-borghi-pablo-aimar/|accessdate=7 February 2015}}</ref> Aimar also holds a [[Spanish nationality law|Spanish passport]].<ref>[http://www.elperiodicodearagon.com/noticias/noticia.asp?pkid=329200 Aimar jura la Constitución y será jugador comunitario (Aimar swears the constitution and will play as a non-foreign)]; El Periódico de Aragón, 14 June 2007 (Spanish)</ref> As a youth, compatriot [[Lionel Messi]] stated in 2002 that Aimar was one of his biggest influences as a player.<ref>{{cite web|title=Aimar, Messi's childhood idol|url=http://www.fcbarcelona.com/football/first-team/detail/article/aimar-messi-s-childhood-idol|accessdate=7 February 2015}}</ref> |
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After starting his senior career at [[Club Atlético River Plate|River Plate]] in 1996, he amassed [[La Liga]] totals of 215 games and 32 goals over eight seasons with [[Valencia CF|Valencia]] and [[Real Zaragoza]] between 2001 and 2008, before spending five years in Portugal with [[S.L. Benfica|Benfica]], winning nine major titles between the three teams. In 2013, he joined [[Johor Darul Takzim F.C.|Johor Darul Takzim]] in Malaysia, but was released in April 2014 after struggling with injuries.{{citation needed|date=February 2015}} |
After starting his senior career at [[Club Atlético River Plate|River Plate]] in 1996, he amassed [[La Liga]] totals of 215 games and 32 goals over eight seasons with [[Valencia CF|Valencia]] and [[Real Zaragoza]] between 2001 and 2008, before spending five years in Portugal with [[S.L. Benfica|Benfica]], winning nine major titles between the three teams. In 2013, he joined [[Johor Darul Takzim F.C.|Johor Darul Takzim]] in Malaysia, but was released in April 2014 after struggling with injuries.{{citation needed|date=February 2015}} |
Revision as of 11:53, 10 February 2015
Personal information | |||
---|---|---|---|
Full name | Pablo César Aimar Giordano | ||
Date of birth | 3 November 1979 | ||
Place of birth | Río Cuarto, Argentina | ||
Height | 1.70 m (5 ft 7 in) | ||
Position(s) | Attacking midfielder | ||
Youth career | |||
1985–1993 | Estudiantes Río Cuarto | ||
1993–1997 | River Plate | ||
Senior career* | |||
Years | Team | Apps | (Gls) |
1996–2000 | River Plate | 82 | (21) |
2001–2006 | Valencia | 162 | (27) |
2006–2008 | Zaragoza | 53 | (5) |
2008–2013 | Benfica | 107 | (12) |
2013–2014 | Johor Darul Takzim | 8 | (2) |
International career | |||
1995 | Argentina U17 | 6 | (2) |
1997 | Argentina U20 | 7 | (1) |
1999–2009 | Argentina | 52 | (8) |
*Club domestic league appearances and goals, correct as of 18 April 2014 |
Pablo César Aimar Giordano (Spanish pronunciation: [ˈpaβlo aiˈmar]; born 3 November 1979) is an Argentine professional footballer who is a free agent. A technically gifted and creative attacking midfielder with a vast array of skills,[1] Aimar excels as an advanced playmaker, where he is best able to utilise his dribbling, vision, and passing ability to create chances for team-mates. Due to his talent and flamboyance, he was given the nicknames El Payaso (the clown) and "El Mago" (the wizard) throughout his career.[2] Aimar also holds a Spanish passport.[3] As a youth, compatriot Lionel Messi stated in 2002 that Aimar was one of his biggest influences as a player.[4]
After starting his senior career at River Plate in 1996, he amassed La Liga totals of 215 games and 32 goals over eight seasons with Valencia and Real Zaragoza between 2001 and 2008, before spending five years in Portugal with Benfica, winning nine major titles between the three teams. In 2013, he joined Johor Darul Takzim in Malaysia, but was released in April 2014 after struggling with injuries.[citation needed]
Aimar earned 52 caps for Argentina over 10 years, representing the nation in two World Cups and as many Copa América tournaments, as well as a Confederations Cup. He reached the final of the 2005 FIFA Confederations Cup and the 2007 Copa América with the Argentine national side.
Club career
River Plate / Valencia
Born in Río Cuarto, Córdoba, Aimar began his career with Club Atlético River Plate, joining the senior team in the 1997–98 season.[citation needed]
Valencia CF of the Spanish La Liga signed Aimar at age 21 in January 2001 for €24 million.[5] Former Argentine World Cup winner Diego Maradona said at the time, "Pablo is the only current footballer I’d pay to watch" [6]
At Valencia, manager Rafael Benítez built a system to suit Aimar's style and slight physique, with physical midfielders, strong wingers and a target forward.[5] Aimar helped Valencia reach the 2001 UEFA Champions League Final, although he was taken off at half-time and Valencia lost to FC Bayern Munich on penalties.[5] The following year, he appeared in 33 league games and scored 4 goals to help the club win the 2001–02 La Liga title,[7] and in 2004, he helped Valencia win the 2004 UEFA Cup Final and the 2003–04 La Liga title.[5]
However, after Benítez left in 2004, Aimar struggled under new manager Claudio Ranieri.[5]
Zaragoza
In Summer 2006, Aimar joined fellow top flight club Real Zaragoza for €12 million.[8] He made his league debut on 27 August in a 2–3 away loss against Deportivo de La Coruña, and scored two goals in his first four matches.[citation needed]
The Aragonese side were relegated at the end of 2007–08, with the playmaker appearing in 22 contests without scoring while also often hindered with injuries.[9] During that season, he teamed up with former Valencia teammate Roberto Ayala.[citation needed]
Benfica
On 17 July 2008, Aimar signed a four-year contract with S.L. Benfica from Portugal, for a fee of €6.5 million.[10] After struggling with injuries to start the 2008–09 season, he finished strongly.[11][clarification needed]
In the 2009–10 campaign, Aimar was reunited with former River Plate teammate Javier Saviola, who was let go by Real Madrid following his own injury struggles.[11] The two combined as double trequartista to support striker Óscar Cardozo, along with fellow Argentine Ángel Di Maria on the wing.[12] Saviola said of Aimar, "I have never played with another player who knows where I'm going to be or just lifts his head knowing where I'm going to."[13] Benfica won the club's 32nd championship following a five-year wait. He played 46 games in the 2010–11 season in all competitions and scored seven goals, winning the Taça da Liga.
On 6 June 2013, after 179 official appearances and 17 goals, 33-year-old Aimar announced he was leaving Benfica, thanking the club for "five wonderful years".[14]
Johor Darul Takzim
On 7 August 2013 Tunku Ismail Ibrahim, Johor Darul Takzim F.C. president, confirmed that Aimar had signed a two-year contract with the team.[15][16] He made his debut in the Malaysia Super League six months after signing, in a 2–0 win against Perak FA.[17]
Aimar was released on 21 April 2014, due to injury problems.[18]
Return to River Plate
On 5 January 2015, Aimar returned to River Plate for preseason training. He said that he would sign with the club only if he could deal with the physical demand, after two surgeries to his heel and not having played since leaving Johor Darul in April 2014.[19]
International career
Aimar first represented Argentina at youth levels. Along with future senior team stars Esteban Cambiasso and Juan Román Riquelme he won the 1997 FIFA World Youth Championship, and went on to gain over 50 full caps since his debut in 1999;[20] he played in the 2002 and 2006 FIFA World Cups.
In the 2002 World Cup, for which he was picked ahead of Riquelme, Aimar appeared against England, subbing in for Juan Sebastián Verón in the 0–1 loss, which led coach Marcelo Bielsa to start him against Sweden at the latter's expense.
Aimar scored the last goal of the 2005 FIFA Confederations Cup during Argentina's 1–4 loss in the final to champions Brazil, also appearing with the national side in the 2007 Copa América (losing in the final to the same team, this time 0–3).
After several months in the sidelines, Aimar received another international callup in October 2009, for decisive 2010 World Cup qualifiers against Peru and Uruguay. In the match against the former he repaid the faith placed in him by coach Diego Maradona, assisting Gonzalo Higuaín for Argentina's opener with a sublime through ball, in an eventual 2–1 win.
International goals
# | Date | Venue | Opponent | Score | Result | Competition |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1. | 16 August 2000 | Estadio Monumental, Buenos Aires, Argentina | Paraguay | 1–1 | 1–1 | 2002 World Cup qualification |
2. | 27 March 2002 | Geneva, Switzerland | Cameroon | 2–1 | 2–2 | Friendly |
3. | 30 April 2003 | June 11 Stadium, Tripoli, Libya | Libya | 3–1 | 3–1 | Friendly |
4. | 6 September 2003 | Estadio Monumental, Buenos Aires, Argentina | Chile | 2–0 | 2–2 | 2006 World Cup qualification |
5. | 9 September 2003 | Estadio Olímpico, Caracas, Venezuela | Venezuela | 1–0 | 3–0 | 2006 World Cup qualification |
6. | 15 November 2003 | Estadio Monumental, Buenos Aires, Argentina | Bolivia | 3–0 | 3–0 | 2006 World Cup qualification |
7. | 29 June 2005 | Waldstadion, Frankfurt, Germany | Brazil | 1–4 | 1–4 | 2005 FIFA Confederations Cup |
8. | 28 June 2007 | José Pachenco Romero, Maracaibo, Venezuela | United States | 3–1 | 4–1 | 2007 Copa América |
Statistics
Club
Club | Season | League | Cup | Continental | Other | Total | |||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | ||
River Plate | 1996–97 | 1 | 0 | ||||||||
1997–98 | 16 | 4 | |||||||||
1998–99 | 18 | 2 | |||||||||
1999–00 | 32 | 13 | |||||||||
2000–01 | 15 | 2 | 5 | 1 | 20 | 3 | |||||
Total | 82 | 21 | 5 | 1 | 87 | 22 | |||||
Valencia | 2000–01 | 10 | 2 | — | — | — | 10 | 2 | |||
2001–02 | 33 | 4 | 1 | 0 | 6 | 2 | — | 40 | 6 | ||
2002–03 | 31 | 8 | 2 | 0 | 11 | 3 | — | 44 | 11 | ||
2003–04 | 25 | 4 | 5 | 0 | 8 | 0 | — | 38 | 4 | ||
2004–05 | 31 | 4 | 1 | 0 | 6 | 2 | — | 37 | 6 | ||
2005–06 | 32 | 5 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 0 | — | 35 | 5 | ||
Total | 162 | 27 | 10 | 0 | 32 | 7 | — | 204 | 34 | ||
Zaragoza | 2006–07 | 31 | 5 | 1 | 0 | — | — | 32 | 5 | ||
2007–08 | 22 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 0 | — | 25 | 0 | ||
Total | 53 | 5 | 3 | 0 | 1 | 0 | — | 57 | 5 | ||
Benfica | 2008–09 | 22 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 4 | 1 | 29 | 2 |
2009–10 | 25 | 4 | 1 | 0 | 11 | 1 | 4 | 0 | 41 | 5 | |
2010–11 | 23 | 5 | 6 | 1 | 12 | 1 | 5 | 0 | 46 | 7 | |
2011–12 | 24 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 12 | 1 | 4 | 0 | 42 | 3 | |
2012–13 | 13 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 21 | 0 | |
Total | 107 | 12 | 14 | 1 | 39 | 3 | 18 | 1 | 178 | 17 | |
Johor Darul Takzim | 2014 | 8 | 2 | 0 | 0 | — | — | 8 | 2 | ||
Total | 8 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 8 | 2 | |
Career Total | 412 | 67 | 27 | 1 | 77 | 11 | 18 | 1 | 534 | 80 |
International
Argentina | ||
---|---|---|
Year | Apps | Goals |
1999 | 2 | 0 |
2000 | 5 | 1 |
2001 | 7 | 0 |
2002 | 6 | 1 |
2003 | 9 | 4 |
2004 | 2 | 0 |
2005 | 6 | 1 |
2006 | 6 | 0 |
2007 | 7 | 1 |
2009 | 2 | 0 |
Total | 52 | 8 |
Honours
Club
- River Plate
- Primera División: 1996 Apertura, 1997 Apertura, 1997 Clausura, 1999 Apertura, 2000 Clausura
- Copa Libertadores: 1996
- Supercopa Sudamericana: 1997
- Recopa Sudamericana: Runner-up 1997
- Valencia
- La Liga: 2001–02, 2003–04
- UEFA Cup: 2003–04
- UEFA Super Cup: 2004
- UEFA Champions League: Runner-up 2000–01
- Supercopa de España: Runner-up 2002, 2004
- Benfica
- Primeira Liga: 2009–10
- Taça da Liga: 2008–09, 2009–10, 2010–11, 2011–12
- UEFA Europa League: Runner-up 2012–13
- Taça de Portugal: Runner-up 2012–13
- Supertaça Cândido de Oliveira: Runner-up 2010
- Johor
International
- Argentina U-17
- South American Under-17 Football Championship: Runner-up 1995
- FIFA U-17 World Cup: Third-place 1995
- Argentina U-20
- Argentina
- FIFA Confederations Cup: Runner-up 2005
- Copa América: Runner-up 2007
Individual
- FIFA U-20 World Cup: Bronze Ball 1997
- UEFA Champions League: Top Assists 2002–03
- Trofeo EFE: 2005–06
- Benfica Player of the Year: 2011[23]
Personal life
Aimar's younger brother, Andrés, is also a professional footballer and a midfielder. He represented several teams in his country – starting his career at River Plate – also playing for a few months in Israel.[24]
References
- ^ Aimar's divine improvisation; UEFA.com, 23 September 2004
- ^ "Da "Nuovi Maradona" a "Nuovi Borghi": Pablo Aimar". Retrieved 7 February 2015.
- ^ Aimar jura la Constitución y será jugador comunitario (Aimar swears the constitution and will play as a non-foreign); El Periódico de Aragón, 14 June 2007 (Spanish)
- ^ "Aimar, Messi's childhood idol". Retrieved 7 February 2015.
- ^ a b c d e Brassell, Andy (6 April 2010). "Benitez welcomes former protege Aimar to Anfield". ESPN FC. Retrieved 3 February 2015.
- ^ "Pablo Aimbar". World Soccer. 2 September 2003. Retrieved 3 February 2015.
- ^ Abdullah Shams Al-Deen (16 June 2009). "Goal.Commentary: Where In The World Is Pablo Aimar?". Goal.com. Retrieved 3 February 2015.
- ^ Aimar adds zest for Zaragoza; UEFA.com, 29 July 2006
- ^ Zaragoza lose Aimar inspiration; UEFA.com, 30 January 2007
- ^ Aimar leaves Zaragoza for Benfica; UEFA.com, 17 July 2008
- ^ a b Marcotti, Gabriele (20 April 2010). "Portugal's Benfica Helped by Reunion of River Plate Teammates". Wall Street Journal. Retrieved 3 February 2015.
- ^ Cox, Michael (2 March 2010). "Benfica – the most attractive side in Europe?". Zonal Marking. Retrieved 3 February 2015.
- ^ "Aimar and Saviola of one mind for Benfica". UEFA. 22 November 2010. Retrieved 3 February 2015.
- ^ "Pablo Aimar despede-se do Benfica: "Foram cinco anos maravilhosos"" (in Portuguese). A Bola. 6 June 2013. Retrieved 6 June 2013.
{{cite news}}
: Unknown parameter|trans_title=
ignored (|trans-title=
suggested) (help) - ^ "Tunku Ismail Ibrahim has confirmed that the former Benfica player, Pablo Aimar, will join Johor Darul Takzim next season". Goal.com. 7 August 2013. Retrieved 10 August 2013.
- ^ "Johor Darul Takzim confirm addition of Pablo Aimar for next season". Fanatix. 7 August 2013.
- ^ "Johor Darul Ta'zim 2–0 Perak: Southern Tigers overcome defensive Seladangs". Goal.com. 18 January 2014. Retrieved 22 April 2014.
- ^ "Troppi infortuni: club malese scarica Pablo Aimar" (in Italian). Sky Sport. 21 April 2014. Retrieved 22 April 2014.
{{cite web}}
: Unknown parameter|trans_title=
ignored (|trans-title=
suggested) (help) - ^ "Aimar: I am anxious to play but I need to be in form". Buenos Aires Herald. 6 January 2015. Retrieved 12 January 2015.
- ^ Argentina – Record International Players; at RSSSF Template:WebCite
- ^ "P. Aimar". Soccerway. Retrieved 22 April 2014.
- ^ Pablo Aimar at ESPN FC
- ^ Gala 108.° aniversário do Sport Lisboa e Benfica (Sport Lisboa and Benfica's 108th anniversary gala); Magalhães SAD SLB, 29 February 2012 (Portuguese)
- ^ "Pablo Aimar: "Cuando hablamos con Andrés le digo que Estudiantes va a salir de esta situación"" (in Spanish). Telediario Digital. June 2011. Retrieved 22 April 2014.
{{cite web}}
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External links
- BDFutbol profile
- Stats and profile at Zerozero
- Stats at ForaDeJogo
- Pablo Aimar at National-Football-Teams.com
- Pablo Aimar – FIFA competition record (archived)
- Pablo Aimar at Soccerway
- Stats at Footballdatabase
- Use dmy dates from July 2013
- 1979 births
- Living people
- People from Río Cuarto, Córdoba
- Argentine people of Spanish descent
- Argentine emigrants to Spain
- Naturalised citizens of Spain
- Argentine footballers
- Association football midfielders
- Primera División Argentina players
- Estudiantes de Río Cuarto footballers
- River Plate footballers
- La Liga players
- Valencia CF players
- Real Zaragoza players
- Primeira Liga players
- S.L. Benfica footballers
- Malaysia Super League players
- Johor Darul Takzim F.C. players
- Argentina youth international footballers
- Argentina international footballers
- 1999 Copa América players
- 2002 FIFA World Cup players
- 2005 FIFA Confederations Cup players
- 2006 FIFA World Cup players
- 2007 Copa América players
- Argentine expatriate footballers
- Expatriate footballers in Spain
- Expatriate footballers in Portugal
- Expatriate footballers in Malaysia
- Argentine expatriates in Spain
- Argentine expatriates in Portugal
- Argentine expatriates in Malaysia