Santiago Solari

Santiago Hernán Solari (born October 7, 1976 in Rosario) is an Argentina football (soccer) player, who currently plays left midfielder for Internazionale Milano F.C..

El Indiecito Solari played for Newell's Old Boys and local amateur Renato Cesarini before moving to Buenos Aires' CA River Plate in 1996. After 3 seasons with River Plate he transferred to Liga Atlético Madrid and, upon the club's relegation in 2000, Solari moved across the Madrid to Real Madrid.

Although he struggled with form in the his first season with his club, he established himself in the 2001-02 season, playing an important role in Real's successful UEFA Champions League campaign. Yet he was relegated to primarily playing a substitute's role in 2002-03; he nevertheless helped Real win yet another Spanish League title. Even though he recovered his starting position with the club in the following season, Real's season was disappointing as they stumbled to a fourth place finish in Spain, and failed to win any domestic or international title. Real Madrid fans always supported Santiago Solari, even when he didn't have a big participation, perhaps because he used well the few minutes he got to play.

After the 2004-05 season, Inter Milan signed Solari for free on a 3-year contract, and he helped them win the 2006 Coppa Italia.

Facts

- His cousin Fernando Redondo played for Real Madrid also.
- Uncle Jorge Solari, former Argentine footballer also, played in 1966 FIFA World Cup, and was the coach of CD Tenerife.
- His idols are Fernando Redondo and Enzo Francescoli.
- His brother Esteban Solari played for APOEL FC and since August 2007 plays for Pumas UNAM in Mexico.

Honours

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