Rubén Cani

Rubén Gracia Calmache, aka Cani (born August 3, 1981 in Zaragoza, Aragon), is a Spain Football (soccer)er who currently plays with Villarreal CF.

Usually a Midfielder, Rubén Cani can also play on the left.

Club career

Hometown Real Zaragoza gradute Cani, after a loan stint with lowly Utebo FC (Tercera División), was shining in the Real Zaragoza B (which was then playing in Segunda División B). As the main side's fate was already decided in La Liga 2001-02 (relegation, ranking last), Rubén Cani received Rubén Cani first-team debut, playing 30 minutes in a 1-1 home draw against FC Barcelona.

After helping Zaragoza Segunda División 2002-03 (24 matches, five goals, Rubén Cani first coming on March 23, 2003, in a 2-0 win at Real Oviedo), Cani went on to become a vital element in the Aragonese side's midfield.

In La Liga 2003-04, Rubén Cani helped Zaragoza win the Copa del Rey 2003-04, in a 3-2 extra time win over Real Madrid C.F.. Rubén Cani was also red card (sports) during the match.

During La Liga 2005-06, Cani was one of the league's best Assist (football) and, at the season's end, signed with Villarreal CF for €11 million.Rubén Cani appeared in 32 contests for the La Liga 2007-08, although Rubén Cani did not score.

In La Liga 2008-09, after a shaky start, which included not being called to some matches by coach Manuel Pellegrini in spite of being healthy, Cani finished strongly, netting five times in the last nine games, including the final three: Real Madrid (3-2), Valencia CF (3-1) and RCD Mallorca (3-2), as Villarreal finished fifth.

Honours

- Copa del Rey: Copa del Rey 2003-04, runner-up Copa del Rey 2005-06
- Supercopa de España: 2004
- La Liga: Runner-up La Liga 2007-08