Place of birth Durango, Spain Name Xabier Castillo Career start 2004 1996–2001 Athletic Bilbao Weight 76 kg | 1995–1996 Ikastola Maiztegi Height 1.84 m Current team None Role Footballer | |
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Full name Xabier Castillo Aranburu Date of birth (1986-03-29) 29 March 1986 (age 29) Number 22 (Athletic Bilbao / Defender) Similar People Igor Martinez, Koikili Lertxundi, Inigo Perez, Borja Ekiza, Ion Velez | ||
Xabier 'Xabi' Castillo Aranburu (born 29 March 1986) is a Spanish professional footballer who plays as a left back.
Football career
Born in Durango, Biscay, Castillo came up through the ranks at Athletic Bilbao, but made his senior debuts with Basque neighbours Real Sociedad, where he had finished his football grooming. His first professional experience came with UD Las Palmas on loan, in 2006–07's second division; during his first two seasons with Real Sociedad's first team he was an undisputed first-choice, also in the second level.
On 15 July 2009, Castillo returned his first alma mater and signed a four-year deal. He made his La Liga debut in the campaign opener (30 August 2009), a 1–0 home win against RCD Espanyol, and appeared in 45 official games in his first two years combined.
Castillo spent the entire 2011–12 on the sidelines, due to a patellar ligament injury. Upon returning he was only a fringe player, being released by the Marcelo Bielsa-led squad in June 2013 after his contract expired and returning to former club Las Palmas.
On 10 July 2014, Castillo joined Deportivo Alavés also in division two.