Santiago Denia Sánchez (born March 9, 1974 in Albacete, Castile-La Mancha), aka Santi, is a former Spanish footballer who played as a central defender.

[edit] Club career

Santi began playing professionally with hometown's Albacete Balompié, making his top flight debuts at age 18, and automatically being an undisputed starter in a side that constantly managed to maintain its top flight status.

In 1995, he signed with Atlético de Madrid, being crowned league and cup champion in his first season, in a defensive line which also included club youth graduates Juanma López and Roberto Solozábal; Santi appeared in 37 league contests during that campaign.

Following Atlético's 2000 relegation (Santi collected a career-worst 17 yellow cards), he gradually lost his importance in the side's plans.

In 2004–05, after the signing of Pablo Ibáñez (whom also came from Albacete), he featured in no games at all during the first half of the season, and was subsequently allowed to leave on loan, in January 2005, to his first club.^[1] The move was made permanent in June and he retired after two more years, with Albacete then in the second level.

Santi eventually returned to Atlético Madrid in February 2009, as assistant to newly appointed Abel Resino,^[2] whom had replaced Mexican Javier Aguirre.

[edit] International career

Santi was capped twice for Spain, his debut coming on October 11, 1997, in a 1998 World Cup qualifier against Faroe Islands (3–1 in Gijón, playing the entire match). He still featured in a friendly win against Sweden in March 1998, but did not make the final cut for the final stages.

Previously, Santi appeared for the nation at the 1996 Summer Olympics.

[edit] Honours

• Spanish League: 1995–96
• Spanish Cup: 1995–96

[edit] References

[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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