Lionel Scaloni

Lionel Sebastián Scaloni (born 16 May 1978 in Rosario, Argentina) is an Argentina football (soccer) player. He is currently playing for RCD Mallorca in Spain. Due to his Italy descent, he also holds an Italian passport. He also holds a Spain passport due to the length of time he spent playing in Spain.

A right sided defender (football) who can also operate in a more attacking role on the right side of midfield, he has also played in the centre of midfield on various occasions. Scaloni began his career in the Primera División Argentina with Newell's Old Boys, and then Estudiantes de La Plata, before joining Deportivo La Coruna in March 1998.

He made over 200 appearances for the Primera División team, but had found himself out of favour. He joined England FA Premier League team West Ham United F.C. on loan from Deportivo on 31 January 2006, the final day of the January transfer window. Deciding that he needed first team football to have a chance at attending the upcoming 2006 FIFA World Cup, he accepted the opportunity of joining West Ham on loan for the second half of the FA Premier League 2005-06 season. He took the number 2 shirt from the departed Tomáš Řepka, and made his full Premiership debut against Sunderland A.F.C. on February 4 2006. On May 13 2006 Scaloni reached The FA Cup Final where West Ham lost on penalties to Liverpool. Scaloni left West Ham after the East London, England club could not agree a deal with Deportivo over a permanent move.

Deportivo released him on September 1, 2006, one day after the close of transfer windows. But due to no limitation for free agent, two weeks later he signed a one year contract at Racing Santander.

In summer 2007, he moved again, this time to Italy. His European matches experience caused Lazio, which entered UEFA Champions League 2007-08 third qualifying round, to offer him a contract. In late January 2008 it was revealed that he was set to move back to Spain and join Real Mallorca.

He was named in the Argentina national football team squad for a friendly match against Croatia on 1 March 2006, and was also a surprise selection for the 2006 FIFA World Cup squad, taking the place of veteran full back Javier Zanetti. The versatile Argentinian started for his nation in their extra-time win over Mexico national football team on the 24 June2006 at the Zentralstadion.

Trivia

- His brother is Mauro Jose Scaloni, who plays for Deportivo de La Coruna.

Honours and awards

- FIFA World Youth Championship: 1997
- Spanish Liga Primera: 2000

External links

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