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GabiSpanish footballer, midfielder
Date of Birth: 10.07.1983
Country:  Spain |
Content:
- Early Life and Career
- Loan to Getafe
- Return to Atlético Madrid
- Real Zaragoza
- Return to Atlético Madrid (2011-2018)
- Captaincy and Success at Atlético Madrid
- Involvement in Match-Fixing Scandal
- International Career
- Honors
Early Life and Career
Gabriel Fernández Arenas, commonly known as Gabi, began his football journey with Atlético Madrid's youth academy. He made his debut for the club's reserve team, Atlético Madrid B, in the 2002-2004 seasons.
Loan to Getafe
Gabi's La Liga debut came with Getafe in 2005, where he played 32 league matches and scored 2 goals.
Return to Atlético Madrid
After his loan spell, Gabi returned to Atlético Madrid in 2006 and spent two more seasons with the club.
Real Zaragoza
In 2007, Gabi moved to Real Zaragoza for a transfer fee of €9 million. He quickly established himself as a regular starter and became the team's captain in 2009-2010. In the 2010-2011 season, Gabi scored 11 goals, including a brace against Valencia and two goals against Levante in the final match of La Liga.
Return to Atlético Madrid (2011-2018)
Gabi returned to Atlético Madrid in 2011 for a fee of €3 million. He played a key role in the team's Europa League triumph in 2011-2012 and was appointed captain after Antonio López's departure in 2012.
Captaincy and Success at Atlético Madrid
As captain, Gabi led Atlético Madrid to victory in the Copa del Rey in 2013, where he was sent off for a foul on Cristiano Ronaldo. He also played a crucial role in the club's La Liga title win in 2014 and their UEFA Super Cup victory in 2012.
Involvement in Match-Fixing Scandal
In 2014, Gabi admitted to his involvement in a match-fixing incident involving Zaragoza and Levante in 2011. According to reports, Zaragoza paid Levante players €965,000 in cash to ensure a victory, which helped them avoid relegation.
International Career
Gabi represented Spain at the Under-20 World Cup in 2003, where he played 7 matches and scored one goal.
Honors
- La Liga: 2013-2014- Copa del Rey: 2012-2013
- Supercopa de España: 2014
- UEFA Europa League: 2011-2012, 2017-2018
- UEFA Super Cup: 2012
- UEFA Champions League Finalist: 2013-2014, 2015-2016
