Pablo Gabriel García
Encyclopedia
Pablo Gabriel García Pérez (born 11 May 1977 in Pando
, Canelones Department
) is an Uruguay
an footballer who plays for PAOK F.C. in Greece
, as a defensive midfielder.
A player of physical approach to the game (which earned him a reputation for being a dirty player), García's nickname is Canario (canary), referring to his birthplace. He spent most of his professional career in La Liga
, amassing 135 appearances in six years, representing four different teams.
. After a six-month spell at C.A. Peñarol
, he was transferred to Atlético de Madrid but, however, would never make it past its B side
, being subsequently transferred to Italian
giants A.C. Milan
, after two seasons.
After just five Serie A
appearances during 2000–01, García was loaned to fellow league side Venezia A.C. in January 2002. In spite of the side's relegation, he had overall good performances.
side CA Osasuna
for 2002–03, García played intense football throughout three seasons in Navarre
. In his first match, a 2–2 draw at Villarreal CF
, on September 1, 2002, he collected a booking and scored the match's final goal.
In the 2005 Spanish Cup final, García, already an essential midfield element for Osasuna, received a straight red card
after a dangerous challenge on Real Betis
' Joaquín, as Osasuna lost 1–2 on extra time. However, he had already caught the eye of league giants Real Madrid
, which signed the player to a three-year contract, with compatriot Carlos Diogo
also being purchased.
After having received 17 yellow (season-most) and one red cards during 2004–05
(the Cup final notwithstanding), García made his Real Madrid official debut on September 10, 2005, playing 11 minutes in a 2–3 home loss to Celta de Vigo
. Eventually, he won the battle for the club's first-choice holding midfielder over Danish
Thomas Gravesen
, although none were an undisputed starter.
After helping Madrid to a runner-up place in 2005–06
, he was deemed surplus to requirements by new boss Fabio Capello
and, on August 29, 2006, García signed a one-year loan contract with Celta and, after an uneventful personal season where he was injured for most of the year, he returned to Real Madrid in July 2007, loaned immediately again, this time to newly promoted Real Murcia
.
.
He quickly became a fan favorite, not as much for his defensive abilities rather than his hot temper; managing to receive three red cards in his first six games, and also starring in an infamous incident with Olympiacos F.C. player Diogo Luis Santo
during a derby. After being hit in the face by Diogo's elbow
in a confrontation during a set piece
, García retaliated with a powerful punch to the Brazil
ian's belly; both actions surprisingly eluded the referee's attention, but the Uruguayan eventually received a three-match ban.
Garcia's second season was much better overall, as PAOK only conceded 16 goals in 30 matches, finishing third in the table, with him forming a stable midfield partnership with Spaniard Vitolo. Additionally, he renewed his link to the club until 2012, even agreeing to a reduction in his salary, in line with the club's stagnant finances.
since December 13, 1997, in a King Fahd Cup match against United Arab Emirates
, García quickly developed into a mainstay for the national team, and would appear at the 1999 Copa América.
García played all 270 minutes in Uruguay's participation in the 2002 FIFA World Cup
, although he was not able to help his country qualify for the 2006 edition
, after losing a penalty shootout to Australia, on November 16, 2005.
García scored a powerful finesse shot from outside the box against Venezuela
in the 2007 Copa América quarterfinals, but also missed a decisive penalty against Brazil
in the semis, meaning the Charrúas would not play the tournament's final match.
Pando, Uruguay
Pando is a city in Canelones Department of Uruguay. It is an important commercial and industrial centre which has become part of the wider metropolitan area of Montevideo. It is located on Route 8, about northeast of Montevideo. The stream Arroyo Pando flows by the east limits of the...
, Canelones Department
Canelones Department
The Canelones Department , with an area of and 485,240 inhabitants, is located to the south of Uruguay. Its capital is Canelones.-Geography and climate:...
) is an Uruguay
Uruguay
Uruguay ,officially the Oriental Republic of Uruguay,sometimes the Eastern Republic of Uruguay; ) is a country in the southeastern part of South America. It is home to some 3.5 million people, of whom 1.8 million live in the capital Montevideo and its metropolitan area...
an footballer who plays for PAOK F.C. in Greece
Greece
Greece , officially the Hellenic Republic , and historically Hellas or the Republic of Greece in English, is a country in southeastern Europe....
, as a defensive midfielder.
A player of physical approach to the game (which earned him a reputation for being a dirty player), García's nickname is Canario (canary), referring to his birthplace. He spent most of his professional career in La Liga
La Liga
The Primera División of the Liga Nacional de Fútbol Profesional , commonly known as La Liga or, for sponsorship reasons, Liga BBVA since 2008, is the top professional association football division of the Spanish football league system...
, amassing 135 appearances in six years, representing four different teams.
Early career
García started his career in Montevideo Wanderers FCMontevideo Wanderers F.C.
Montevideo Wanderers Fútbol Club, usually known simply as Wanderers is a Uruguayan football club based in Montevideo. The club are currently members of the Primera División and play at the Estadio Viera...
. After a six-month spell at C.A. Peñarol
C.A. Peñarol
Club Atlético Peñarol also known as Carboneros, Aurinegros and familiarly as Manya, is an Uruguayan sports club based in the Peñarol barrio, Montevideo, best known for its professional football team. The team plays their home matches in Estadio Centenario, the largest stadium in the country, but...
, he was transferred to Atlético de Madrid but, however, would never make it past its B side
Atlético Madrid B
Atlético Madrid B is a Spanish football team based in Madrid, in the namesake community. Founded in 1963, it is the reserve team of Atlético Madrid, and currently plays in Segunda División B, holding home games at Nuevo Cerro del Espino.-History:...
, being subsequently transferred to Italian
Italy
Italy , officially the Italian Republic languages]] under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages. In each of these, Italy's official name is as follows:;;;;;;;;), is a unitary parliamentary republic in South-Central Europe. To the north it borders France, Switzerland, Austria and...
giants A.C. Milan
A.C. Milan
Associazione Calcio Milan, commonly referred to as A.C. Milan or simply Milan , is a professional Italian football club based in Milan, Lombardy, that plays in the Serie A. Milan was founded in 1899 by English lace-maker Herbert Kilpin and businessman Alfred Edwards among others...
, after two seasons.
After just five Serie A
Serie A
Serie A , now called Serie A TIM due to sponsorship by Telecom Italia, is a professional league competition for football clubs located at the top of the Italian football league system and has been operating for over eighty years since 1929. It had been organized by Lega Calcio until 2010, but a new...
appearances during 2000–01, García was loaned to fellow league side Venezia A.C. in January 2002. In spite of the side's relegation, he had overall good performances.
Spain
Moving to La LigaLa Liga
The Primera División of the Liga Nacional de Fútbol Profesional , commonly known as La Liga or, for sponsorship reasons, Liga BBVA since 2008, is the top professional association football division of the Spanish football league system...
side CA Osasuna
CA Osasuna
Club Atlético Osasuna, known as Osasuna, is a Spanish football team based in Iruñea-Pamplona, in the autonomous community of Navarre.Founded in 1920, it currently plays in the Spanish first division, holding home games at the 19,553-capacity Estadio Reyno de Navarra...
for 2002–03, García played intense football throughout three seasons in Navarre
Navarre
Navarre , officially the Chartered Community of Navarre is an autonomous community in northern Spain, bordering the Basque Country, La Rioja, and Aragon in Spain and Aquitaine in France...
. In his first match, a 2–2 draw at Villarreal CF
Villarreal CF
Villarreal Club de Fútbol, S.A.D. , usually abbreviated to Villarreal CF or just Villarreal, is a Spanish Primera División football club based in Vila-real, a city in the province of Castellón within the Valencian Community...
, on September 1, 2002, he collected a booking and scored the match's final goal.
In the 2005 Spanish Cup final, García, already an essential midfield element for Osasuna, received a straight red card
Ejection (sports)
In sports, an ejection is one of several disqualifying actions assessed to a player or coach by a game official , usually for unsportsmanlike conduct....
after a dangerous challenge on Real Betis
Real Betis
Real Betis Balompié S.A.D. is a Spanish football club based in Seville, in the autonomous community of Andalusia. Founded on 12 September 1907, it currently plays in La Liga, holding home games at Estadio Benito Villamarín....
' Joaquín, as Osasuna lost 1–2 on extra time. However, he had already caught the eye of league giants Real Madrid
Real Madrid C.F.
Real Madrid Club de Fútbol , commonly known as Real Madrid, is a professional football club based in Madrid, Spain. The club have won a record 31 La Liga titles, the Primera División of the Liga de Fútbol Profesional , 18 Copas del Rey, 8 Spanish Super Cups, 1 Copa Eva Duarte and 1 Copa de la...
, which signed the player to a three-year contract, with compatriot Carlos Diogo
Carlos Diogo
Carlos Andrés Diogo Enseñat is an Uruguayan footballer. A player of great physical strength, he operates as a defender or midfielder, on the right side of the pitch.-Club career:...
also being purchased.
After having received 17 yellow (season-most) and one red cards during 2004–05
2004–05 La Liga
2004–05 season was composed of the following clubs:* Albacete Balompié* Athletic Bilbao* Atlético Madrid* FC Barcelona* Real Betis* Deportivo de La Coruña* Espanyol* Getafe CF* Levante UD* Málaga CF* Real Mallorca* CD Numancia* CA Osasuna...
(the Cup final notwithstanding), García made his Real Madrid official debut on September 10, 2005, playing 11 minutes in a 2–3 home loss to Celta de Vigo
Celta de Vigo
Real Club Celta de Vigo , simply referred to as Celta Vigo, is a Spanish professional football club based in Vigo, Galicia, currently playing in the Segunda División. It was founded on March 28, 1923 following the merger of Real Vigo Sporting and Real Fortuna Foot-ball Club.Nicknamed Los Celestes ,...
. Eventually, he won the battle for the club's first-choice holding midfielder over Danish
Denmark
Denmark is a Scandinavian country in Northern Europe. The countries of Denmark and Greenland, as well as the Faroe Islands, constitute the Kingdom of Denmark . It is the southernmost of the Nordic countries, southwest of Sweden and south of Norway, and bordered to the south by Germany. Denmark...
Thomas Gravesen
Thomas Gravesen
Thomas Gravesen is a retired Danish professional footballer who played as a midfielder. He has played for teams such as Hamburger SV, Everton F.C., Real Madrid CF and Celtic F.C.....
, although none were an undisputed starter.
After helping Madrid to a runner-up place in 2005–06
2005–06 La Liga
* Athletic Bilbao* Atlético Madrid* FC Barcelona* Betis* Cádiz CF* Celta de Vigo* Deportivo Alaves* Deportivo de La Coruña* Espanyol* Getafe CF* Málaga CF* RCD Mallorca* CA Osasuna* Racing de Santander* Real Madrid* Real Sociedad* Sevilla FC...
, he was deemed surplus to requirements by new boss Fabio Capello
Fabio Capello
Fabio Capello is an Italian football manager and former player. He is the manager of the England national football team.Capello has the distinction of winning the domestic league title with every club he has coached throughout his career...
and, on August 29, 2006, García signed a one-year loan contract with Celta and, after an uneventful personal season where he was injured for most of the year, he returned to Real Madrid in July 2007, loaned immediately again, this time to newly promoted Real Murcia
Real Murcia
Real Murcia Club de Fútbol, S.A.D. is a Spanish football club based in the region of Murcia. Founded in 1908, it currently plays in the second division, playing home matches at Estadio Nueva Condomina, which can hold 33,045 spectators....
.
Greece
After another relegation, García was released by Real Madrid on July 10, 2008 and, on the 23rd, agreed to join PAOK Thessaloniki in GreeceGreece
Greece , officially the Hellenic Republic , and historically Hellas or the Republic of Greece in English, is a country in southeastern Europe....
.
He quickly became a fan favorite, not as much for his defensive abilities rather than his hot temper; managing to receive three red cards in his first six games, and also starring in an infamous incident with Olympiacos F.C. player Diogo Luis Santo
Diogo Luis Santo
Diogo Luis Santo, or simply Diogo , is a Brazilian striker currently playing for Santos.-Brazil:Born in São Paulo, Diogo started his football career at Associação Portuguesa de Desportos...
during a derby. After being hit in the face by Diogo's elbow
Elbow
The human elbow is the region surrounding the elbow-joint—the ginglymus or hinge joint in the middle of the arm. Three bones form the elbow joint: the humerus of the upper arm, and the paired radius and ulna of the forearm....
in a confrontation during a set piece
Set piece (football)
The term set piece or set play is used in association football and rugby to refer to a situation when the ball is returned to open play following a stoppage, particularly in a forward area of the pitch. Most often, the term is used to refer to free kicks and corners, but sometimes throw-ins. Many...
, García retaliated with a powerful punch to the Brazil
Brazil
Brazil , officially the Federative Republic of Brazil , is the largest country in South America. It is the world's fifth largest country, both by geographical area and by population with over 192 million people...
ian's belly; both actions surprisingly eluded the referee's attention, but the Uruguayan eventually received a three-match ban.
Garcia's second season was much better overall, as PAOK only conceded 16 goals in 30 matches, finishing third in the table, with him forming a stable midfield partnership with Spaniard Vitolo. Additionally, he renewed his link to the club until 2012, even agreeing to a reduction in his salary, in line with the club's stagnant finances.
International career
A full Uruguayan internationalUruguay national football team
The Uruguayan national football team represents Uruguay in international association football and is controlled by the Uruguayan Football Association, the governing body for football in Uruguay. The current head coach is Óscar Tabárez...
since December 13, 1997, in a King Fahd Cup match against United Arab Emirates
United Arab Emirates national football team
The United Arab Emirates national football team represents United Arab Emirates in association football and is controlled by the United Arab Emirates Football Association, the governing body for football in United Arab Emirates...
, García quickly developed into a mainstay for the national team, and would appear at the 1999 Copa América.
García played all 270 minutes in Uruguay's participation in the 2002 FIFA World Cup
2002 FIFA World Cup
The 2002 FIFA World Cup was the 17th staging of the FIFA World Cup, held in South Korea and Japan from 31 May to 30 June. It was also the first World Cup held in Asia, and the last in which the golden goal rule was implemented. Brazil won the tournament for a record fifth time, beating Germany 2–0...
, although he was not able to help his country qualify for the 2006 edition
2006 FIFA World Cup
The 2006 FIFA World Cup was the 18th FIFA World Cup, the quadrennial international football world championship tournament. It was held from 9 June to 9 July 2006 in Germany, which won the right to host the event in July 2000. Teams representing 198 national football associations from all six...
, after losing a penalty shootout to Australia, on November 16, 2005.
García scored a powerful finesse shot from outside the box against Venezuela
Venezuela national football team
The Venezuela national football team is the national football team of Venezuela and is controlled by the Federación Venezolana de Fútbol. It is nicknamed La Vinotinto , because of the traditional burgundy color of their shirts....
in the 2007 Copa América quarterfinals, but also missed a decisive penalty against Brazil
Brazil national football team
The Brazil national football team represents Brazil in international men's football and is controlled by the Brazilian Football Confederation , the governing body for football in Brazil. They are a member of the International Federation of Association Football since 1923 and also a member of the...
in the semis, meaning the Charrúas would not play the tournament's final match.
National team
- FIFA U-20 World CupFIFA U-20 World CupThe FIFA U-20 World Cup, until 2005 known as the FIFA World Youth Championship, is the world championship of football for male players under the age of 20 and is organized by Fédération Internationale de Football Association...
: Runner-up 19971997 FIFA World Youth ChampionshipThe 1997 FIFA World Youth Championship was the 11th staging of the FIFA World Youth Championship. It was held from June 16 to July 5, 1997 in Malaysia.-Venues:-Qualification:The following 24 teams qualified for the 1997 FIFA World Youth Championship... - Copa AméricaCopa AméricaThe Copa América —previously known as South American Championship—is an international football competition contested between the men's national teams of CONMEBOL, the sport's continental governing body...
: Runner-up 1999