MANUEL ALMUNIA PROFILE

Manuel Almunia Rivero

Manuel Almunia join to Arsenal in 2005 and eventually overtook Jens Lehmann as No 1 goalkeeper two years later. Reputed for his reflexes, the Spaniard is something of a specialist from spot-kicks.

Almunia signed for Arsenal for an undisclosed fee on 14 July 2004. He had a taste of the big occasion when he replaced Robert Pires in the 18th minute of the 2006 Champions' League Final against Barcelona following the sending-off of Jens Lehmann.

Almunia become Arsenal number 1 goalkeeper following Lehmann left to Stuttgart at the beginning of the 2008–09 season. In 2008, he signed a new long-term contract with Arsenal. But Almunia lost his place through injury. Arsene Wenger then chose two Polish goalkeeper, Lukasz Fabianski as the main goalkeeper. When Fabianski have injured, Wojciech Szczęsny replaced his position. However, Almunia again reached the main position in Arsenal goal arsenal following Szczęsny dislocated finger injury.

Manuel Almunia has a good list of vital penalty saves include one from Tottenham’s Robbie Keane in his first full season as first-choice, a stop which really endeared him to the fans. He is closing on 200 games for the Club and, as one of Arsène Wenger’s most intelligent, experienced heads, he has been entrusted with the captaincy on a number of occasions.

Manuel Almunia profile:

Full name : Manuel Almunia Rivero

Date of birth: May 19, 1977

Place of birth: Pamplona, Spain

Position: Goalkeeper

Squad Number: 1

Height: 1.93 m (6 feet 4 in)

Previous Club(s): Albacete (loan), Recreativo Huelva (loan), Eibar (loan), Celta Vigo, Sabadell, Cartagonova, Osasuna B.

Joined Arsenal: July 18, 2004