Fran González
Francisco Javier González Pérez (born 14 July 1969, Ribeira ), called Fran, is a former Spanish footballer.
Career
Association
Fran made his debut in 1988 for Deportivo La Coruña in Segunda División. He quickly became a regular player and rose with the club in 1991 in the Primera División. His Erstligadebüt on 31 August 1991. Could the direct relegated again only narrowly avoided in the season 1991/92, the henceforth known as Super Depor team developed under coach Arsenio Iglesias has the following season to a top team to the championship third place went to. Already role model and team captain, Fran Deportivo confirmed with this performance in the following years by two second place in the championship, participation in the UEFA Cup and the first title of the club history, winning the Copa del Rey 1994/95.
Meanwhile, part of the Spanish national team, both FC Barcelona and Real Madrid were interested in signing the Spaniard. From a signed letter of intent to play with the Royal, who signed him to the start of the 1995/96 season in the Spanish capital, Fran was unceremoniously out of club president Augusto César buy Lendoiro again. He reiterated his affection for the club from Galicia and its intention to play at this his entire career.
At the beginning of the 1995/96 season with his club Francisco won the Supercopa de España against Real Madrid. Then the season was in spite of the entry is not desired semi-finals of the European Cup Winners' Cup. In the league, it was only enough for a midfield place under new manager John Toshack. In addition, Fran injured end of the season hard on his left knee and had to have surgery, so its possible participation in the European Championships was prevented.
Then Fran and Deportivo established again in the upper third of the table. It was followed by other European Cup participations as well as the long-awaited first championship win in the season 1999/2000. Deportivo remained in consequence a top team of the Spanish league and qualified five times in a row for the UEFA Champions League. With wins in the Supercopa de España and another Cup victory in 2002, Francisco collected more titles. In 2004 he moved with Deportivo before the semi-finals of the Champions League.
After the 2004/ 05 season Fran ended his career after 17 years of club membership. Overall, the Spaniard played more than 600 appearances for Deportivo La Coruña, evolved into a symbol of clubs from Galicia and coined its most successful era of the club's history.
National
Fran made his debut on 27 January 1993 for the Spanish national team as part of a friendly match against Mexico. With Spain, he participated in the European Championship in 2000. Overall, Fran played 16 matches and scored two goals.
Achievements
With the club
- Spanish Champion: 2000
- Copa del Rey: 1995, 2002
- Supercopa de España: 1995, 2000, 2002
Personal Awards
- Spain's Footballer of the Year: 1993 ( Don Balón )