Name: Fabricio Coloccini
Date of Birth: 22/1/1982
Nationality: Argentina
Former Clubs: Boca Juniors, AC Milan, San Lorenzo, Alaves, Athletico Madrid, Villarreal, Deportivo La Coruna
League Appearances (Goals): 380 (20)
International Appearances (Goals): 36 (1)
Stat of the Day: Newcastle United win 31% of the matches Fabricio Coloccini features in, compared to 25% when he is absent
Player Profile: The unremitting fickle nature of the football fan is being closely pursued by the fickle loyalty of the football player, as all too often modern day footballers are repeatedly deciding when they can and can`t be bothered to play for their recognised club. Coloccini`s public yearning to leave Newcastle in January left him in an intricate situation as his desired return to Argentina fell through, leaving him at a club where he clearly didn`t want to be. It was unfortunate for Newcastle that the Argentinean was such an integral part of their team on the pitch, and it was no coincidence that the recent eight league games the curly-haired defender missed due to injury yielded a return of just two wins and a subsequent plummet closer towards the relegation zone for The Toon. The defender`s return to the starting line up last weekend saw just their second clean sheet in thirteen games, and whilst Coloccini`s future certainly lies elsewhere next season, his performances in Newcastle`s last two games will decide the future of his current club next campaign.
Despite only featuring in 20 of Newcastle`s 36 league games this season, Coloccini is the frontrunner for the club`s Player of the Season Award, and as with most world class players, when playing they can change the approach and look of a struggling team. A Newcastle career that has been epitomised by a calmness and collectiveness, whilst experiencing relegation, promotion and a Champions League push, has propelled Coloccini to first-class status amongst the Premier League`s elite. With QPR having failed to score in their last four games, the experience and class of Coloccini may prove to be the final push Newcastle require to steer clear of relegation and plan for life without the Argentinean next season.
Player History:
Fabricio Coloccini was born in Cordoba, Argentina, and started his professional career in 1998 with Boca Juniors. He made two substitute appearances in the league in his one and only season with Boca, scoring in his final match to level the scores in a 2-2 draw. The following season Coloccini moved to AC Milan, amidst controversy surrounding the transfer due to his father orchestrating the move.
The Argentinean failed to make an impact at the San Siro and the next four seasons he spent time at San Lorenzo, Alaves (where he netted 6 league goals), Atheltico Madrid and Villarreal on loan spells. He amassed a total of 111 league appearances in his time away from Milan, and his impressive performances earned him a move to Deportivo La Coruna in 2005 on a six year deal. During his three-and-a-half season stint at the Spanish side he was an undisputed starter, and appeared in all matches in the 2007/2008 season netting four goals.
Kevin Keegan signed Coloccini for Newcastle in 2008 for a fee worth up to £10.3 million. He made his debut against Manchester United in a 1-1 draw a few days later. Coloccini has since experienced both relegation and promotion from and to the Premier League and was given the Newcastle captaincy at the beginning of last season. In January 2013 the defender stated his desire to join one of his first clubs San Lorenzo, but due to contractual complications the move fell through and the 31-year-old has stayed at Newcastle for the rest of the season.
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