Francisco Javier "Javi" Vicente Navarro (born February 6, 1974 in Valencia) is a former Spanish footballer, who played as a tough^[1] central defender.

[edit] Club career

A product of hometown Valencia CF's youth system, Navarro made his first team debuts during 1993–94 (four matches) and, after a loan stint with CD Logroñés, returned in 1995–96, playing in 19 contests as Valencia finished runner-up. He would then suffer a serious knee injury the following year, being out of action for almost three years,^[2] and being loaned to neighbours Elche CF in 2000–01 upon his recovery.

After that single season in the second level, Navarro signed in July 2001 with Sevilla FC, where he proceeded to form a dreaded centre-back partnership with Pablo Alfaro for the next five years. On March 20, 2005, Navarro brutally impacted with his elbow on RCD Mallorca's Juan Arango, leaving the Venezuelan unconscious on the pitch.^[3]

After being one of Sevilla's most important players throughout the team's conquests in 2005–07 (two UEFA Cups, one UEFA Super Cup and one Spanish Cup), Navarro was sidelined for two years with another severe knee injury,^[4][5] eventually retiring from the game at the end of 2008–09, aged 35.^[6]

[edit] International career

Navarro made his international debut for the Spanish team in a friendly 0–1 loss against Romania on November 15, 2006 in Cádiz, aged 32, becoming the second-oldest debutant for Spain after former Real Madrid star Ferenc Puskás (34).^[7]

Previously, he appeared with the nation at the 1996 Summer Olympics, reaching the quarterfinals.

[edit] References

[edit] External links

• BDFutbol profile
• National team data (Spanish)
• Javier Navarro FIFA competition record

v • d • e Spain squad – 1996 Summer Olympics 1 Mora • 2 Mendieta • 3 Aranzábal • 4 Navarro • 5 Santi • 6 Óscar • 7 Raúl • 8 Roberto • 9 Corino • 10 José Ignacio • 11 Idiakez • 12 Karanka • 13 Aizkorreta • 14 Morientes • 15 de la Peña • 16 Lardín • 17 Sietes • 18 Dani • Coach: Clemente