Pablo Zabaleta

Pablo Javier Zabaleta Girod is an Argentine footballer who plays as a right-back for Manchester City and the Argentina national football team. Zabaleta can operate on both sides of the pitch either as a defender or defensive midfielder, but is predominantly a right sided player. He began his career at Club Atlético San Lorenzo de Almagro in 2002 after progressing through their youth ranks, having been signed at the age of 12 from local club Obras Sanitarias. Zabaleta was transferred to RCD Espanyol in 2005 for €3 million after being Argentina under-20\'s captain in the 2005 FIFA World Youth Championship, which Argentina won. In 2008, Zabaleta transferred to Premier League club Manchester City where he is among the fans\' favourite players. Zabaleta completed a five-year deal with Manchester City on 31 August 2008 for an undisclosed fee. On 1 January 2011, Zabaleta played his 100th game for Manchester City in all competitions, coming off the bench againstBlackpool in a 1–0 win at Eastlands. . On Sunday 13 May Zabaleta scored the first goal in City\'s dramatic 3-2 win over Queens Park Rangers, a result which secured the first league title for the club since 1968. At the age of 14, Zabaleta was called up by Hugo Tocalli to Argentina U-15s. He took part in many youth tournaments, including the FIFA U-20 World Cup in 2003 and 2005. He was also a member of the Gold Medal winning team at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, starting at right back and playing all 6 matches.