Fernando Amorebieta

Fernando Gabriel Amorebieta Mardaras (born 29 March 1985 in Cantaura, Anzoátegui, Venezuela) is a Venezuelan-Spanish footballer who plays for Athletic Bilbao as a central defender.

Football career

Amorebieta met Athletic de Bilbao's eligibility standards, having been raised in the region, and through his parents, both of whom are from the Basque Country. He made his first team debuts in 2005–06, becoming an undisputed first-choice in the subsequent La Liga seasons.

Amorebieta expressed his interest in playing for the Venezuelan national team (dubbed La Vinotinto); however, according to FIFA association rules, he should have switched codes prior to the age of 21, having previously played for the Spain in the youth categories.

In June 2007, he returned to Venezuela to play for the Euskadi (a non-FIFA affiliate) against Venezuela, in San Cristóbal in a 4–3 Basque win. The friendly match was the grand opening for the 43.000 all-seated Estadio Polideportivo de Pueblo Nuevo, after two years of construction for the 2007 Copa América.

In August 2008, Amorebieta was called by new Spanish coach Vicente del Bosque, for a friendly against Denmark, alongside teammate Andoni Iraola....
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