Francisco Rufete

Francisco Joaquín Pérez Rufete (born November 20, 1976 in Benejúzar, Alicante) is a Spain Football (soccer), who currently plays for RCD Espanyol. He plays predominantly as a midfielder 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 La Liga 1995-96, 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 Segunda División 1998-99 to La Liga (Málaga was in the Segunda División B in 1997-98).

After two exceptional individual seasons, Rufete moved to Valencia CF. Although not an undisputed starter after La Liga 2001-02, he contributed with good overall performances. On March 14, 2004, he netted twice at Celta de Vigo (2-0), as the Che La Liga 2003-04.

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 La Liga 2007-08, after having appeared in 11 UEFA Cup contests during the Catalonia side's 2007 UEFA Cup Final.

International career

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

Honours

- Valencia CF:
- - La Liga: La Liga 2001-02, La Liga 2003-04
- - UEFA Cup: UEFA Cup 2003-04
- - UEFA Super Cup: 2004 UEFA Super Cup

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