José Ignacio Saénz Marin, known as José Ignacio (born September 28, 1973 in Logroño, La Rioja), is a retired Spanish footballer, who played as a defensive midfielder. His main asset was his workrate.

[edit] Club career

Ignacio made his professional debuts for hometown CD Logroñés. Upon its relegation in 1994-95, he joined La Liga powerhouse Valencia CF, helping with 27 matches to a final runner-up place.

In 1997, Ignacio moved to Real Zaragoza, where he would play five seasons. In 2000-01, he netted a career-best six goals, including one in an April 14, 2001 thriller at FC Barcelona (4-4), as Zaragoza barely avoided relegation (17th, adding that season's domestic cup), which would eventually befall the next year.

Ignacio joined Real Club Celta de Vigo for 2002-03, appearing in 33 league contests as the Galician outfit achieved a UEFA Champions League berth. However, it would also be relegated the following season.

Upon retiring in 2005, after only 11 games as Celta returned to the top level, he rejoined first team Logroñés, as a technical director.

[edit] International career

Ignacio received two caps for Spain during 2001: the first came in the 2002 World Cup qualifiers, against Liechtenstein, on September 5, and he also appeared in a friendly in Huelva against Mexico, two months later.

Previously, Ignacio represented the nation at the 1996 Summer Olympics.

[edit] External links

• BDFutbol profile
• National team data (Spanish)

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

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