Julio Arca

Julio Andrés Arca (born January 31, 1981 in Quilmes, Argentina) is an Argentina football (soccer), also former Argentine Under-21 captain, currently playing for Middlesbrough F.C.. Arca's father was a bank manager. His Italian passport allows him to play in Europe without needing a work permit.

Signed by Sunderland A.F.C. under Boss Peter Reid in 2000 from Argentinos Juniors with £3.5million five-year deal, while beat off competition from Newcastle United F.C. and Leeds United F.C.. He was an immediate success, scoring on his debut at the Stadium of Light against West Ham United F.C.. Boss Peter Reid spotted him (Under-21s) playing against England at Craven Cottage and tracked him until completing the signing in July 2000.

Arca's previous club, Argentinos Juniors, also shaped footballing stars Diego Maradona, before he went to Boca Juniors, and Fernando Redondo, who went on to play for Real Madrid. He played for his old club and country at left back, but was successfully converted to left midfield by Reid. Arca was Reid's most expensive signing of that summer and was then second only behind Stefan Schwarz as the club's record buy. The youngster was tipped for the brightest of futures and full international honours in the near future.

He had a fantastic first season in the Premiership, scoring three times for the Black Cats. However, like so many Sunderland players, Arca's FA Premier League 2001-02 was disappointing as he was troubled by a series of niggling injuries. Failed to rediscover that fine form of the previous season, and was out of action from February.

At the start of the FA Premier League 2002-03, Arca, who had then played 54 games for the club, stated his determination to get back to his best - both in fitness and form. He became a regular once again after Sunderland's relegation that season, and was arguably their best player as they returned to the FA Premier League under manager Mick McCarthy, winning the Football League Championship in FA Premier League 2004-05.

The FA Premier League 2005-06 was a disaster for Sunderland, ending in relegation. As a result of relegation, Arca moved back to the Premiership joining North-East rivals Middlesbrough F.C. as a replacement for Franck Queudrue who moved to Fulham F.C., becoming Gareth Southgate's first senior player signing in the dawn of the FA Premier League 2006-07 on a five-year deal for a reported fee of £1,750,000. Arca had scored the previous season against Middlesbrough in a 2-0 win for Sunderland with a superb free kick, their first win of a disastrous season for the black cats.

Arca had a terrible debut for Middlesbrough, breaking his toe early in the match. However, since then Arca has proved a revelation. With the progress of Andrew Taylor at left-back, Julio has been utilised as central midfielder. His performances have earned rave reviews with many suggesting an international call-up would be just rewards. He scored his first goal for the club against Charlton Athletic F.C. in December 2006.

Since then, Arca has established himself as an attacking midfielder. Some excellent performances, most notably in the 2-2 draw with Manchester United in the FA Cup, have led to speculation by the English press, that he could soon be awarded full international honours with Argentina.

Career chronology

- 1998-2000 - Argentinos Juniors
- 2000-2006 - Sunderland A.F.C.
- 2006- current- Middlesbrough F.C.

Honors and awards

- FIFA World Youth Championship winner: 2001
- Football League Championship winner: 2005