- Pablo Zabaleta
Football player infobox|
playername = Pablo Zabaleta
fullname = Pablo Javier Zabaleta
dateofbirth = birth date and age|1985|1|16|df=yes
cityofbirth =Buenos Aires
countryofbirth =Argentina
height = Height|m=1.74
currentclub = Manchester City
clubnumber = 5
position = Defender,Midfielder
youthyears = 1997–2002
youthclubs = San Lorenzo
years = 2002–2005
2005–2008
2008–
clubs = San LorenzoRCD Espanyol
Manchester City
caps(goals) = 66 (8)
80 (3)
02 (0)
nationalyears = 2008
2005–
nationalteam = Argentina Olympic
Argentina
nationalcaps(goals) = 10 (0)
07 (0)
pcupdate = 12:22, 23 September 2008 (UTC)
ntupdate = 12:00, 14 September 2008 (UTC)Pablo Javier Zabaleta (born
16 January 1985 inBuenos Aires ) is an Argentine footballer, currently playing for Manchester City in thePremier League . He operates on the right side of the pitch, either as a defender ormidfielder . He also holds a Spanish passport.Club career
Zabaleta was raised in
Arrecifes . He began his career atClub Atlético San Lorenzo de Almagro in2002 after progressing through their youth ranks, having been signed at the age of 12 from local club "Obras Sanitarias". He started playing as adefensive midfielder but eventually moved to the right side.Zabaleta was transferred to
Spain 'sRCD Espanyol de Barcelona in 2005 for €3 million, after being Argentina under-20's captain in the2005 FIFA World Youth Championship , which Argentina won. InJanuary 2007 , he suffered ashoulder injury that kept him off the pitch for almost 3 months, already having established himself as an undisputed starter. In May of that same year, Zabaleta was able to play in the starting team in the 2006-07 UEFA Cup final inGlasgow , where Espanyol lost on penalties againstSevilla FC .Having completed his medical and agreed personal terms, Zabaleta signed for Manchester City of the English Premier League on August 31, 2008. He signed for an undisclosed fee, thought to be about £6.45 million, on a five year deal.
International career
At the age of 14, Zabaleta was called up by
Hugo Tocalli to Argentina U-15's. He took part in many youth tournaments, including theFIFA U-20 World Cup in 2003 and 2005, winning the latter in theNetherlands . He received over 75 callups to youth national sides, and started representing the senior side in 2005. He was also a member of the Gold Medal winning team at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, starting at Right Back and playing all 6 matches.Honours and awards
External links
*soccerbase|id=41964|name=Pablo Zabaleta
* [http://www.national-football-teams.com/v2/player.php?id=12562 NationalFootballTeams stats]
* [http://fifaworldcup.yahoo.com/06/en/060313/1/6abh.html FIFA.com short bio]
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