Francisco Rufete

Infobox Football biography
playername = Francisco Rufete


fullname = Francisco Joaquín Pérez Rufete
dateofbirth = birth date and age|1976|11|20
cityofbirth = Benejúzar
countryofbirth = Spain
height = Height|m=1.77
nickname =
position = Winger
currentclub = Espanyol
clubnumber = 18
youthyears = 1994-1995 1995-1997
youthclubs = Barcelona C Barcelona B
years = 1996 1997-1998 1998 1999-2001 2001-2006 2006-present
clubs = FC Barcelona CD Toledo Real Mallorca Málaga CF Valencia CF Espanyol
caps(goals) = 1 (0) 38 (5) 0 (0) 85 (14) 132 (13) 39 (1)
nationalyears = 2000
nationalteam = Spain
nationalcaps(goals) = 3 (0)
pcupdate = September 30, 2008
ntupdate = September 30, 2008

Francisco Joaquín Pérez Rufete (born November 20, 1976 in Benejúzar, Alicante) is a Spanish footballer, who currently plays for RCD Espanyol. He plays predominantly as a right winger with good dribbling ability.

Club career

A product of FC Barcelona's youth system, Rufete appeared once for the first team, on May 25, 1996, in 1995-96 final round, a 2-2 draw at Deportivo de La Coruña. He debuted professionally in 1997-98, with "Segunda División" outfit CD Toledo.

After having started 1998-99 with RCD Mallorca (no appearances), he moved in January 1999 to Málaga CF, being instrumental, alongside midfielder José María Movilla and striker Catanha, in the side's promotion to "La Liga" (Málaga was in the third level in 1997-98).

After two exceptional individual seasons, Rufete moved to Valencia CF. Although not an undisputed starter after his first season, he contributed with good overall performances. On March 14, 2004, he netted twice at Celta de Vigo (2-0), as the "Che" won another domestic title.

After Quique Sánchez Flores arrived at Valencia from Getafe CF, Rufete was released, joining RCD Espanyol on a free transfer on July 2006. He was constantly hampered by injuries during 2007-08, after having appeared in 11 UEFA Cup contests during the Catalan side's run to the final in 2007.

International career

Rufete received three caps with the Spain national football team in 2000, the first being in a 2-0 friendly win over Italy, on March 29, in Barcelona. He subbed in for Joseba Etxeberría at the hour mark.

Honours

*Valencia CF:
**Spanish League: 2001-02, 2003-04
**UEFA Cup: 2003-04
**UEFA Super Cup: 2004

*RCD Espanyol:
**UEFA Cup: Runner-up 2006-07

External links

* [http://www.lfp.es/historico/primera/plantillas/historial.asp?jug=6252 Stats at Liga de Fútbol Profesional] es icon
* [http://futbol.sportec.es/seleccion/ficha_jugador.asp?j=571&n=rufete/francisco/joaquin/perez/rufete National team data] es icon