Full name Victor Ruiz Torre Number 6 Name Victor Torre Height 1.84 m Career start 2008 | Playing position 1998–2002 Barcelona Role Footballer Weight 80 kg | |
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Date of birth (1989-01-25) 25 January 1989 (age 26) Place of birth Esplugues de Llobregat, Spain Current team Villarreal CF (#6 / Defender) Profiles | ||
Victor Ruiz Torre ([ˈbiktor ˈrwiθ ˈtore]; born 25 January 1989) is a Spanish professional footballer who plays for Villarreal CF as a central defender.
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Espanyol
Born in Esplugues de Llobregat, Barcelona, Catalonia, Ruiz arrived in RCD Espanyol's youth system in 2006 at the age of 17, from neighbouring UE Cornella. In the 2008–09 season he made his senior debuts, helping the reserve side win its Tercera Division group and subsequently promote in the playoffs.
On 6 December 2009 Ruiz made his debut with Espanyol's first team, starting and being booked in a 0–4 home loss against Racing de Santander. Coach Mauricio Pochettino, however, fielded him in a further 21 La Liga games that campaign, with the team finally ranking in 11th position; he added two goals, against Malaga CF (1–2 away defeat) and Atletico Madrid (3–0, home).
Napoli / Valencia
In 2010–11, Ruiz played all the minutes for Espanyol in the first 15 rounds. On 31 January 2011 he was sold to S.S.C. Napoli for €6 million cash in a four 1/2-year contract, with the Italians also ceding the sporting rights to Jesus Datolo who was playing with the Spaniards on loan.
On 30 August 2011 Ruiz returned to his country, penning a five-year deal with Valencia CF for €8 million. He made his official debut on 10 September, playing the full 90 minutes in a 1–0 home win against Atletico Madrid.
International career
Shortly after making his professional debuts with Espanyol, Ruiz was called to the Spanish under-21 team by manager Luis Milla. On 8 February 2011, in the last minutes of a 2–1 friendly win with Denmark, he was sent off for punching Nicki Bille, who celebrated his goal in front of Ruiz's face.