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Manuel AlmuniaSpanish footballer, goalkeeper
Date of Birth: 19.05.1977
Country:  Spain |
Content:
Early Career
Manuel Almunia, a Spanish goalkeeper, began his career at hometown club Osasuna. He played for their reserve team in the third Spanish division before moving to Cartagena on loan in the same division. In 2000, he joined Sabadell, also in the third division.
Celta and Loans
Almunia joined Celta in 2001, then a top-flight team. However, he failed to make an appearance for them. Instead, he spent three seasons on loan: as Eibar's first-choice goalkeeper in the second division (2001/02), at Recreativo (2002/03), and at Albacete (2003/04).
Arsenal
On July 14, 2004, Almunia signed for Arsenal. He made his debut in the League Cup against Manchester City in October 2004 and played in all cup games that season. In the 2005/06 Champions League final, he replaced the sent-off Jens Lehmann and became Arsenal's first-choice goalkeeper from the 2007/08 season.
Injuries and Loans
Almunia suffered an elbow injury in 2010/11 and was sidelined for a long period. He returned in the FA Cup. In September 2011, he was loaned to West Ham United after an injury to their goalkeeper.
Watford and Retirement
After leaving Arsenal, Almunia signed for Watford in 2012, where he was captain. He retired in August 2014 due to a diagnosis of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, which prevented a move to Cagliari.
Achievements with Arsenal
FA Cup: 2004/05Community Shield: 2004
