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Roberto AyalaArgentine footballer
Date of Birth: 14.04.1973
Country:  Argentina |
Content:
Roberto Ayala: A Legendary Argentine Defender
Early Life and ChildhoodRoberto Ayala, known affectionately as "El Ratón" ("The Mouse"), was born in the city of Paraná, Argentina. His moniker was inherited from forward Rubén Ayala, a member of the 1974 World Cup team, despite the lack of any familial relation.
Club Career
Ayala began his club career in Argentina, playing for several clubs including River Plate. In 1995, he moved to Napoli in Italy, where he spent three seasons before joining AC Milan. With Milan, he won the Serie A title in 1999.
In 2000, Ayala made the switch to Valencia in Spain, where he would spend the longest stint of his career, seven seasons in total. During his time with Valencia, he won two La Liga titles, the UEFA Cup, and the European Super Cup in 2004.
Ayala later moved to Villarreal as a free agent and then to Zaragoza, who acquired his contract for €6 million in the summer of 2007. He retired from professional football in December 2010.
International Career
Ayala made his debut for the Argentine national team in November 1994 and quickly became a regular. He earned 115 caps for his country and served as captain for many years. Ayala was a key member of the team that won the 2004 Olympic gold medal and finished as runners-up at the 1996 Olympics.
Honors and Awards
TeamOlympic champion (2004)
Olympic silver medalist (1996)
Pan American Games champion (1995)
Copa Confederaciones finalist (1995)
Argentine champion (1994)
Italian champion (1998/99)
Spanish champion (2001/02, 2003/04)
UEFA Cup winner (2004)
Individual
UEFA Best Defender of the Season (2000/01)
Fourth-highest appearance maker for the Argentine national team (after Javier Zanetti, Mascherano, and Messi)
