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Antonio RukavinaSerbian footballer, defender
Date of Birth: 26.01.1984
Country:  Serbia |
Content:
Biography of Antonio Rukavina
Antonio Rukavina is a Serbian footballer who currently plays as a defender for the Spanish club "Villarreal" and the Serbian national team. He began his professional career in 2002 as a product of the Novi Beograd club "Bezhanija". He played for "Bezhanija" until the end of 2006, during which he played 142 matches and scored 26 goals. In January 2007, he transferred to the Belgrade club "Partizan" where he played 32 matches, scored 4 goals, and became the vice-champion of Serbia. He also served as the captain of the team.
Career in Germany
In 2008, Rukavina moved to Germany to join Borussia Dortmund. He signed a 4.5-year contract with the club for a transfer fee of €2.5 million. He made his debut for Borussia Dortmund on January 29, 2008, in a match against Werder Bremen in the German Cup. On February 2, he made his Bundesliga debut in an away match against Duisburg. During his time with Borussia Dortmund, he played a total of 19 matches in the championship and helped the team reach the final of the German Cup.
In 2009, Rukavina joined Munich 1860 on loan until the end of the season. He made his debut for the club on February 8 in an away match against Mainz 05. He played 15 matches that season and scored 1 goal. In June 2009, Munich 1860 agreed to a permanent transfer with Borussia Dortmund, in exchange for Sven Bender. Rukavina signed a 3-year contract with Munich 1860.
Move to Spain
On July 20, 2012, as a free agent, Rukavina signed a three-year contract with Real Valladolid, a club that had been promoted to the Spanish La Liga.
International Career
Rukavina represented the Serbian Under-21 national team from 2006 to 2007, playing 6 matches and winning a bronze medal in the 2006 UEFA European Under-21 Championship held in Portugal. He made his debut for the senior national team on June 2, 2007, in a qualifying match for the 2008 European Championship against Finland, in which Serbia won 2-0.
Achievements
- Bronze medalist in the UEFA European Under-21 Championship: 2006
- Vice-champion of Serbia with Partizan: 2006/07
- Finalist of the German Cup with Borussia Dortmund: 2007/08
