Full name Javier Gonzalez Gomez 1991–1993 Athletic Bilbao Playing position | Height 1.78 m (5 ft 10 in) Place of birth Barakaldo, Spain Name Javier Gomez | |
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Date of birth (1974-03-22) 22 March 1974 (age 41) | ||
Javier González Gómez
Javier 'Javi' González Gómez (born 22 March 1974) is a Spanish retired footballer. Mainly a midfielder, he could operate on either side of the pitch.
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He spent most of his professional career with Athletic Bilbao, competing in ten La Liga seasons and playing in 249 official games.
Football career
González was born in Barakaldo, Biscay. After growing through the ranks of Athletic Bilbao, he played one season each with Basque neighbours Deportivo Alavés (in the third division) and Sestao Sport Club (second level, relegated).
In 1997–98, after one year with fellow La Liga club Celta de Vigo, González returned to the local giants as a full member of the main squad, scoring five goals in 30 games as Athletic finished second and qualified for the UEFA Champions League. He even featured in some contests as an attacking right back.
After a serious knee injury in late 2004, González's role in Bilbao gradually diminished – only 26 league matches in three seasons combined – and he also played during six months with Israeli Premier League's F.C. Ashdod, in a January 2006 loan.
In July 2007, González joined division two side Hércules CF, appearing sparingly in his first season. In the next, in which the Alicante team finished fourth, he was left without a squad number by manager Juan Carlos Mandiá.
Aged 35, González moved in August 2009 to lowly Club Portugalete, thus returning to his native region. He retired after two seasons in the fourth division.